$200–$1,500. Common bird prints: $200–$500. Key value factors: Ito Sozan's bird-and-flower prints are charming and affordably priced. Well-preserved examples with vivid color are most valued.
Two Black Geese presents a pair of dark-plumaged geese, their coloring distinguishing them from the more commonly depicted white or grey-brown varieties. The black plumage creates strong, solid forms against whatever background Sozan has chosen, making the geese read as bold graphic elements within the [oban](/glossary/oban) composition. Pairing two birds introduces a social dimension to the image; geese are famously loyal to their mates, and the depiction of a pair carries implications of fidelity, companionship, and coordinated movement. Sozan renders the black feathers with the density and sheen that woodblock inks achieve at full saturation, a deep, light-absorbing darkness that differs from the diluted washes used for lighter tones. The two birds likely mirror or complement each other's poses, creating a visual rhyme within the composition.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Two Black Geese was created by Ito Sozan (伊藤宗山).
Two Black Geese depicts birds & flowers and animals.
