KOSON -- "Sparrows on Blue Wisteria" (#2)

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Title "Sparrows on Blue Wisteria"
(given name)
Date c1920's/30's
Provenance Consigned by a knowledgable SW print collector/dealer.
Series na
Publisher Nishinomiya Yosaku (Tokyo publisher, active 1872-1930's)
Seal, Carver/Printer na
Image Size 10 1/4 x 16 1/2
("dai-oban," large "oban")
Impression Very Fine. Superbly executed "bokashi" shading to leaves, flowers, sparrows, and background; nicely visible "woodgrain" to background; extremely fine detailing. (Slight ink-smudge center upper margin.)
Condition Very Good to Nearly Excellent. Strong colors; clean backside. (Slight wrinkling upper/right edge; few surface scratches; light toning.)
Reference/Illus "Crow, Cranes, and Camellias" pl# K-33.10 and cat# 142.
Comments Four brown-headed tree sparrows perched on the vine of a flowering blue wisteria. (Note: Pre-War; bears "signature" deleted on later printings.) Rarely seen.
Item # FW-93
Price $950 (Sold/MH)