Japanese Woodblock Prints Spring Birds Imao Keinen

Imao Keinen (Japanese 1845 to 1924); "Spring Bird" series, woodblock print on paper, Meiji Period, ca. early 20th century CE. A superb collection of 4 woodblock prints of birds and springtime flowers, a motif known as "kacho-e." These prints are from the series of birds and plant illustrations collected in an album known as "Keinen Kacho Gafu" (Keinen?s Flower-and-Bird Painting Manual) origianly published in 1892. The first print depicts blooming white peonies and blue and white flycatcher amongst green foliage. Next is a branch with white cherry (sakura) blossoms and a yellow narcissus flycatcher, positioned with his rump pointing towards the viewer in a moment of stillness as he moves through the tree. Third is a pair of black orange birds flying through white iris flowers. Finally, a branch with pink plum (ume) blossoms and a daurian redstart preening his wing. Keinen is renowned for his stunning bird and flower prints that depict bird behavior amongst the plants that would be found in their respective environments. This series of four captures the lives of various birds in springtime. Size of print: 12" L x 8.5" W (30.5 cm x 21.6 cm); Size of frame: 13.125" L x .5" W x 17" H (33.3 cm x 1.3 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA, collection, acquired 1960 to 2000

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#164054
Condition Report: Age commensurate paper fading and discoloration. Small stains and creasing. Mounted in modern frames.