Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918)
Two Ryukyu robins (Larvivora komadori namiyei) sitting on a persimmon tree with the last leaves of autumn.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya, Tokyo
Date: ca. 1900-1920
Size: Horizontal Chûban, 21.5 x 28.3 cm (overall)
Fine impression and nice colours, full margins. Verso in top margin paper a little bit thinner. Minimal creasing, a small stain in right margin. Overall very good condition.
From a seldom seen series of 12 charming Kachô-e (bird and flower pictures) by the artist, which was published by Hasegawa Takejirô (also known for his illustrated crepe paper books) from about 1900. In a Hasegawa catalogue from c. 1920 the print (excluding all other possibilities) probably is the number 1239, titled "A (!) Wren on a Persimmon-tree". For unknown reasons this copy bears no signature. Later editions usually carry the publisher seal of Nishinomiya Yosaku, who took over the publishing house from his father.
sold