Ito Sozan

Geese in Moonlight

Ito Sozan's original Japanese woodcut Geese in Moonlight is printed upon hand-made mulberry paper and with full margins as published by Watanabe in Tokyo around 1925. It is signed in the block by Sozan with both his signature and red artist's seal to the lower left. Geese in Moonlight is a fine, original example of the art of Ito Sozan, one of Japan's finest kacho-e artists.

Geese in Moonlight

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Title:	Geese in Moonlight
Title:	Sozan, Ito (Tokyo, 1884 - ?)
Date:	c. 1925
Medium:	Original Japanese Woodcut
Publisher:	Watanabe Shozaburo
Note:	By 1920 a Renaissance in the art of the Japanese woodcut had taken place. Termed 'Shin Hanga' (New Prints), artists of this movement re-established the importance of the Japanese woodcut, particularly in the areas of landscape compositions, nature and figure studies. At the centre of Shin Hanga was the Tokyo publisher, Watanabe Shozaburo (1885-1962). It was through his support and efforts that the greatest Shin Hanga artists such as, Goyo, Shinsui, Hasui, Koson, Sozan, Koitsu and Shiro Kasamatsu gained both national and international recognition.
	The most highly regarded Shin Hanga artists of bird and flower prints ('kacho-e') were Ito Sozan and Ohara Koson (Shoson). Sozan is somewhat of a biographical enigma. It is known that he began working for Watanabe in 1919 and continued to do so until the end of 1926. In total he created twenty-eight kacho-e for Watanabe. Many (including Geese in Moonlight) were designed in the vertical tanzaku size format. After 1926 the activities and whereabouts of Sozan are unknown. Watanabe quickly commissioned Ohara Shoson to replace Sozan and produce woodcuts of birds and nature.
	Collectors of both Sozan and Shoson often compare their art. Both artists drew upon the rich Meiji era tradition of kacho-e and employed many similar elements within their work. Sozan, however, is thought to be more painterly in his approach. This is clearly seen in Geese in Moonlight, where gray and silver shades dominate. The birds' feathers and the reeds on the shore brilliantly simulate Japanese brush painting, while a wisp of cloud passes over the moon. This masterwork of line and tone expresses both reverence and mystery.
Size:	14 3/4 X 6 1/2 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Matted with 100% Archival Materials
Condition:	Printed upon hand-made mulberry (rice) paper and with full margins as published by Watanabe in Tokyo around 1925. Signed in the block by Sozan with both his signature and red artist's seal to the lower left. Containing the usual narrow margins, with two small stains to the upper right and one small stain to the lower center, not affecting the actual image; else a brilliantly printed impression and in good condition throughout. Geese in Moonlight represents a prime, original example of the art of Ito Sozan, one of Japan's finest kacho-e artists.
Price:	Sold - The price is no longer available.
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