Officially known as Shogetsu Kojima, this Japanese artist actively painted from 1880 to 1890.  During the Meiji era, which was from 1868 to 1912, Japan saw a number of artists surfaced, one of these being Shogetsu.  In fact, today you can visit the Shogetsu Museum in Wakakusa, Japan, which features magnificent paintings, ceramic, and bronze from both the Edo and Meiji periods. 

While Shogetsu created many beautiful pieces to include woodblock prints, one of his most prized is a triptych of six noblewomen, along with two bonsai trees to the left.  One of the bonsai is a pine tree, tall and thin.  This particular tree is planted in a shallow, blue pinched-neck pot, designed with three base feet.  Then to the right of this larger bonsai is the triptych section with a shallow, rectangular blue pot that is designed with white corner feet, which holds a cave rock.  Called Kifujin No Tashinami, this is one of Shogetsu’s most beautiful creations. 

Two aspects of Shogetsu’s work that stand out are the beautiful color and the amazing detail.  Much of his print oeuvre was what you would expect from the latter part of the Meiji era.  For instance, you would see Shogetsu’s work involving flamboyant genre scenes from ancient Japan, as well as current times.  Shogetsu also focused some of this attention on Sino-Japanese war, which began in 1894 and lasted until 1895. 

Typically, you would find woodblock prints and other art created by this artist signed as Toshun Shogetsu.  One of his most spectacular pieces of art is called Tokugawa Shogun Pleasure Boat, which was created in 1889.  This woodblock print features a Tokugawa shogun enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms residing along the Sumida River while sailing the river in three large, pleasure boats.  These three ships were named Hachimanmaru, Ho-o maru, and Tenchimaru, with the setting depicting time around 1798. 

What makes Shogetsu’s work so wonderful is the connection he makes between Japanese history and bonsai.  Many artists during this period focused on theater, beautiful women, and history.  While all excellent options, the added element introduced by Shogetsu makes his work some of the most sought after.