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 - Beautiful surimono depicting a couple arriving at the torii gate leading to the temple at Enoshima. The beauty adjust the protective cloth wrapped around her hairstyle as she pauses at the foot of the stairs, a walking stick in hand. Her companion hunches forward, smoking a pipe, a bundle wrapped in red cloth tied over his shoulders. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji can be seen beneath the bars of the torii gate, rendered in embossed detail only. A lovely design with additional embossing in the clouds, undulating water, and white kimono trim, and touches of dark gold mica.

Artist - Hokkei (1780 - 1850)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small tear at top right edge, repaired. Toning, slight soiling, faint indent. Please see photos for details. Good overall.