IWAI SHÔZAN (1881–1953) Kakejiku in ink and light colours on silk, depicting a flock of wild geese flying beneath the moon, above snow-covered branches. Signed lower left, Shôzan; Shôzan seal. (Stains, a few creases; wear to the upper part of the mounting). Japan, Meiji–Taishō period, early 20th century. A KAKEJIKU, INK AND COLOURS ON SILK, WILD GEESE IN THE MOONLIGHT, JAPAN, EARLY 20TH CENTURY. DIM. 110 X 41.5 CM (43 5/16 X 16 5/16 IN.) About the artist: Shôzan was a painter of the Nihonga school who produced very few works. He was nicknamed ‘the ghost painter’, for although he studied under several painters from a young age and belonged to several artistic societies, very little evidence of his work as a painter survives. This earned him a reputation as a misanthrope and an eccentric. Long overlooked, his work is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity.