We are very pleased to be able to offer this rare woodblock "Kobai"(Red Ume Tree) by Chosei Miwa (1901-1983). This elegant limited edition by Kyoei Publishers is from a limited edition series of only 300 sheets. Probably in mid Showa. This sheet is 181/300. Carver name is "Matsuda", Printer name is "Tochigi". Carver, printer and publisher in lower right corner.  Once tipped to original presentation folder. New condition, never framed. Appears to have been once taped at top which will mat out. Please note that the cut out (kento) on lower right bottom corner is for color alignment and is not a defect. Nice ink bleed through. The paper measures about 16 and 3/4 inches by 11 and 7/8 inches. Signed with artist�fs official red seal in upper left. Wonderful Japanese woodblock print. 

Ume blossoms are often mentioned in Japanese poetry as a symbol of spring. When used in "Haiku", it is a season word for early spring. The blossoms are associated with the Japanese Bush Warbler, and they are depicted together as one of the twelve suits on  Japanese playing cards. During the Nara period (8th century), the blossom of the ume tree was preferred over the Sakura (cherry blossom), which became popular after the Heian period (794-1185).

Japanese tradition holds that the Ume functions as a protective charm against evil. For this reason, the Ume is traditionally planted in the north-east of the garden, the direction from which evil is believed to come. The eating of the pickled fruit for breakfast is also supposed to stave off misfortune.

Also Ume tree is one of  congratulation motif in Japan.

Chosei Miwa was born in Niigata prefecture. He had graduated from the Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting and was a student of Domoto Insho. The artist worked mainly as a painter and was active with the state-controlled exhibitions Teiten and Nitten. Chosei Miwa made woodblock prints of Kyoto scenes in modern style and kacho-e (birds and flowers).