The Attic

© Row. E. Ogasawara

White tigers (Ogasawara)

A pair of white tigers - one placid, one baring teeth. Although these are realistic representations of the real animal, we are also expected to think of the Chinese guardian of the western celestial direction, that is, one of the four gods. In this guise, the white tiger has been revered from ancient times as a bringer of good fortune.

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits. Her acclaimed painting of a pair of white tigers has also featured on a jigsaw puzzle.

Mystery... The three puzzles we have (as of April 2006) all have different copyright declarations: her name written in Japanese, "Row.E.Ogasawara" and "Row. V. Ogasawara" - the pictures in these latter two cases include a signature "Row." which might be a nickname. She writes her given name, Etsuko, with the old form of hiragana 'e', so it might also be rendered as 'Yetsuko', though this hardly explains the 'V'.

This is a glow-in-the-dark puzzle.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued January 2017
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10356 (1000-356 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

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© Ogasawara Etsuko

Cranes with red Fuji (Ogasawara)

A very traditional composition: in front of an auspicious red Fuji, a pair of cranes symbolise fidelity, watched by a pair of turtles, emblems of longevity. The picture is completed by the trio of pine, bamboo, and plum blossom, or shô-chiku-bai (standard labels for the best three selections at a sushi restaurant).

The style is an interesting blend of detail in the foreground features with an impressionistic setting of mist over the lake.

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits. Her acclaimed painting of a pair of white tigers has also featured on a jigsaw puzzle.

She does not seem to sign her paintings; she writes her given name, Etsuko, with the old form of hiragana 'e', so it may also be rendered as 'Yetsuko'.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10433 (1000-433 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

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© Row. V. Ogasawara

Cock and hen at dawn (Ogasawara)

As the morning sun heralds a new day, the cock stands proud over his hen and chicks, surrounded by auspicious symbols — pine and bamboo, with double cherry blossom and yamabuki, the bright yellow shrub known to western gardeners as Kerria.

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits.

Recent works by this artist all bear the unexplained copyright declaration "Row. V. Ogasawara." Perhaps "Row" is a nickname, but the initial is a mystery, and on earlier puzzles "Row. E. Ogasawara" has also been seen.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10454 (1000-454 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

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© Row.V.Ogasawara

Playful puppies (Ogasawara)

Puppies play among spring flowers, as butterflies and a bluebird look on, while Mount Fuji looms in the distance. There are five of them - generally an auspicious number.

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits. Her acclaimed painting of a pair of white tigers has also featured on a jigsaw puzzle.

Mystery... The three puzzles we have (as of April 2006) all have different copyright declarations: her name written in Japanese, "Row.E.Ogasawara" and "Row. V. Ogasawara" - the pictures in these latter two cases include a signature "Row." which might be a nickname. She writes her given name, Etsuko, with the old form of hiragana 'e', so it might also be rendered as 'Yetsuko', though this hardly explains the 'V'.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10466 (1000-466 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

More puzzles like this one

© Row. V. Ogasawara

Fuji horses (Ogasawara)

Two fine steeds gallop below Mount Fuji; Ogasawara's style is soft and flowing yet brings out the muscular strength of the pair. By tradition, we are told, a black horse symbolizes a prayer for rain, and a red horse a prayer for the sun.

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits.

Recent works by this artist all bear the unexplained copyright declaration "Row. V. Ogasawara." Perhaps "Row" is a nickname, but the initial is a mystery, and on earlier puzzles "Row. E. Ogasawara" has also been seen.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2022
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10474 (1000-474 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

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© Row.V.Ogasawara

White rats, symbol of treasure (Ogasawara)

White rats dance over their wagonload of treasure - a wondrous cornucopia, chests (of gold?), red coral, a lucky mallet, and more...

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits. Her acclaimed painting of a pair of white tigers has also featured on a jigsaw puzzle.

Mystery... The three puzzles we have (as of April 2006) all have different copyright declarations: her name written in Japanese, "Row.E.Ogasawara" and "Row. V. Ogasawara" - the pictures in these latter two cases include a signature "Row." which might be a nickname. She writes her given name, Etsuko, with the old form of hiragana 'e', so it might also be rendered as 'Yetsuko', though this hardly explains the 'V'.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10605 (1000-605 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

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© Row. V. Ogasawara

Auspicious white tigers (Ogasawara)

The white tiger and her two cubs rest in a typically colourful Ogasawara setting — this includes the emblematic pine-plum-and-bamboo, and the setting red sun.

A hint on why the sun is red

Few biographical details are available, but Ogasawara has worked as a background artist for anime production, and specialises in animal portraits. Her acclaimed painting of a pair of white tigers has also featured on a jigsaw puzzle.

Mystery... The three puzzles we have (as of April 2006) all have different copyright declarations: her name written in Japanese, "Row.E.Ogasawara" and "Row. V. Ogasawara" - the pictures in these latter two cases include a signature "Row." which might be a nickname. She writes her given name, Etsuko, with the old form of hiragana 'e', so it might also be rendered as 'Yetsuko', though this hardly explains the 'V'.

Permanently unavailable
An Appleone puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: A10641 (1000-641 on package)
Retail price ¥3600

More puzzles like this one