Kösui

active 1740s

BiographyAnother artist of the benizuri-e era working in the late 1740s produced exquisite triptychs in a style close to Okumura Masanobu. Unfortunately his cursive signature defies a definitive reading and along with Kösui, readings such as Wasui and Donsui have been preferred. None of these alternatives are satisfactory, for records have not uncovered an artist who used any of these possible names. The Michener Collection is represented by only one very rare triptych in superb condition by this artist. The work is full of the wit and charm that defines the best Masanobu prints of the period.

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Nothing is known of the artist who signed his prints with the curious signature __, which possibly reads Kösui. The problem in reading arises from the character __ which is unreadable, and may in fact have never existed. Some variant readings of this signature might be Kasui (__) or even Donsui (__). Whatever the final answer, the art of this obscure, but skillful, designer follows the manner of Okumura Masanobu.

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Research by: Howard A. Link

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