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.

Takenouchi no Sukune and the Tide Jewels Surimono - Fantastic surimono design of Takeuchi no Sukune, a legendary grand minister during the reign of Empress Jingu. He was said to have two magic jewels with which he could control the waves of the sea. White-capped waves crash against the rock. The poems read:

The spring sun, glowing
gently as magic jewels,
shines over peaceful seas
ruled by Takeuchi,
armed with pine and bamboo.
-Mitsu no Hamanari

Rays of spring sunlight
shot from a catalpa bow
melt snow on Mt. Dog God,
creating a dappled effect
like that of a Korean canine.
-Chiyo no Matsuhiko

A dramatic image with excellent detail and light embossing in the waves.

Artist - Shigenobu (1787 - 1832)

Image Size - 8 5/8" x 7 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A couple small losses at edges, repaired. Light toning, soiling, slight creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.