<b>HOKUSAI KACHO-E E-HON</b> / Katsushika Hokusaic. 1870-80s<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

Hokusai was one of Japan's most gifted artists. Both his landscape and kacho-e (bird and flower designs) are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. His designs continue to inspire and remain relevant to this day. Although his Edo-period impressions are seldom seen in excellent condition, there are opportunities (albeit rare) to find original work printed slightly later for obtainable prices. As is the case with this stunning and complete album of 12 original bird and flower prints.

 This album features a series of relatively rare compositions that feature an array of birds in their natural habitats. These designs showcase peacocks, kingfishers, sparrows, and bluebirds coupled with cherry trees, wisteria, iris, and peony, as well as others. The designs all possess the dramatic flair Hokusai is so well known for. The prints and accompanying original album were produced during the Meiji period, c. 1870s-80s. The designs within this series are well represented in some of the world's most significant institutions, such as The British Museum and the MFA Boston, among others.

 Autumn in Hakkodasan is one of a handful of prints that featured this mountain range, and many contend this design is the most successful. The design features Mt. Hakkoda towering above a field erupting in bright autumn foliage. The mountain is depicted in convincing realism and is set against a foreground rendered in a rather soft and traditional Yoshida-watercolor-esque style. The juxtaposition of the two styles in a single composition is striking, while the bokashi, or color gradation, surrounding the mountain breathes life into the design.

Connoisseur's Note

This rarely seen set is complete with twelve designs. The prints feature fresh and vivid colors, as they have been well-preserved in their original album.