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.

Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono - Charming surimono design of a shirabyoshi dancer performing with an open fan. Shirabyoshi dancers were always women dressed in men's clothing who performed for nobles and high ranking samurai. This tradition originated in the late Heian period during a time of cultural and political change. Educated women found a new role in court through taking up performance. A beautiful subject with delicate detail in the pale blue and gray kimono, and dark gold mica on the fan, court cap, and pattern on the red kimono.

Artist - Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous folio mounting. Light toning. Some prints have slight soiling or rubbing, or a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good condition overall.