Shoson (1877 - 1945), "Egret on Snow-Covered Branch"

Notes: Still retains the pink in the body; often faded away. One of the Shosons most iconic designs. Jacket illustration for the first edition of Crows, Cranes & Camellias, Hotei Publishing, 2001.

A little egret is poised on one leg on a snow-covered tree trunk of a willow, snowflakes fall against a black night sky. This is one of the most highly valued designs by Koson; Richard Illing describes the print as 'a masterpiece of graphic art'. The print is executed in black various shades of grey with touches of colour in the bird's leg, beak and eyes. Gaufrage has been employed on the feathers in combination with a pale shade of brown. The snowflakes have been created by unprinted areas in the black background. The result is very effective and dramatic. - CCC pg. 152.