Mori Sosen (1747-1821) 19th century
Sold for £12,000 inc. premium
Looking for a similar item?
Our Japanese Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistMori Sosen (1747-1821)
Kakejiku, in ink and colour on silk, depicting five writhing snakes on a craggy rock, signed Sosen hitsu with seal Sosen; with tomobako signed and titled by the artist Hebi Sosen. 91cm x 39.2cm (35 7/8in x 15 3/8in). (2).
Footnotes
蛇図 森狙仙 一幅 絹本着色 19世紀
Little is known about Mori Sosen other than he was born in either Nagasaki or in Nishinomiya near Osaka, and first studied Kano painting under Yamamoto Joshuunsai; later he changed his style to one based on close observation of nature - even spending time in the woods to observe animals in their free state - hence becoming a member of the Shijo School. Even today, his name is synonymous with the paintings of monkeys but as presented here, he also excelled at depicting other animals. His paintings of snakes are extremely rare.
Published and Exhibited: Izumo Bunka Denshokan, Okyo: sono shunen (Okyo and His Surroundings), Exhibition Catalogue, Shimane 2000, p.47, no.30.