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 design of two beauties strolling beside a blossoming plum tree. A servant accompanies them, prodding at a flowing stream with a slender bamboo pole. One of the women holds a small wooden bullfinch to be exchanged at a shrine for a new one to bring good luck in the New Year, a ritual known as usokae. Her dark gray kimono features a delicate leafy pattern in dark gold mica. Her companion's robe is patterned with bats in flight. Nicely detailed with embossing in the cloth atop the companion's head, and gold mica on both obi. A very attractive design.

Artist - Shinsai (circa 1764 - 1823)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 6 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Toning, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.