Koson, Ohara, 1877-1945

Born in Kanazawa. Original name Ohara Matao. Studied with Shijo-style painter Suzuki Kason. Under the name Koson made Russo-Japanese War prints in 1904 and many small kacho prints published by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokuya for export. In 1912 changed name to Shoson and dedicated himself to painting but may have designed a few more prints for Daikokuya under the name Koson. In 1926 resumed kacho hanga production. Published chiefly by Watanabe Shozaburo but also by Nishinomiya Yosaku and Sakai-Kawaguchi. Hundreds of Shoson bird prints exported to U.S. Used the name Hoson on works published by Sakai-Kawaguchi.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.