Surimono - Surimono are an exclusive subcategory of Japanese woodblock prints. Poetry clubs commissioned these designs for distribution to a small audience of members, most often as New Year's greetings. These privately published images included a wonderful range of subjects and lavish printing techniques such as embossing, burnishing, and metallic pigments. Since surimono were not sold commercially, the print runs were very small and original Edo era surimono are incredibly rare in the market today.

During the 1890s, publishers reprinted some of the most popular designs by famous artists like Hokkei, Gakutei, Hokusai and others. In keeping with the surimono tradition, the Meiji printings were equally exquisite, printed with the finest inks and embellished with embossing, lacquered pigments, and other design features. In some cases, the original Edo era prints no longer exist, making the Meiji reprints the only record of these subjects. These fascinating and beautifully printed images continue to delight collectors today.

Comments - A terrific surimono design of a monkey dressed in a patterned red kimono and a tall court cap. Over his shoulder, he carries a wooden wand with bundles of paper attached to it, used for Shinto purification rituals. Wonderful fine detail in the fur, with embossing and burnishing in the black cap and traces of silver metallic pigment.

Artist - Shinsai (circa 1764 - 1823)

Image Size - 7 1/4" x 8 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Some light soiling at edges. Backed with thin paper. A few small holes repaired when backed. Please see photos for details. Good overall.