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 - Charming surimono of a beauty pausing during a walk to look back over her shoulder, shielding her eyes with her hand. An excited boy stands behind her, carrying a kite featuring large kanji characters. Lovely outdoor setting with a budding tree behind a garden fence. Nicely detailed with delicate embossing to indicate the folds in the beauty's black kimono.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Some minor soiling and a few light creases at edges. Slightly toned. Please see photos for details. Good overall.