Wild Geese Alighting on the Koto

Vertical ogata chūban. Dimensions: 11 ½ x 8 ½ in. (29.21 x 21.59 cm)

Markings: Patron’s signature: Kyosen 巨川　 Patron’s seals: Kyosen no in 巨川之印, Jōsei Sanjin 城西山人

Gift of Dr. Lee Ehrlich

This is part of a 1946 reproduction of the first printing of the 1766 series Eight Views of the Japanese Room by Harunobu. It was commissioned by the samurai poet and artist, Ōkubo Kyosen, and the private first editions bore his signature and seal. These markings were removed for subsequent editions of the series.

Original versions of this print are held by: The Museum of Fine Arts Boston: http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/descending-geese-of-the-koto-bridges-from-the-series-eight-views-of-the-parlor-zashiki-hakkei-232161, opens in a new window The Art Institute of Chicago: http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/88966, opens in a new window