Japanese Woodblock 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.

Comments - Interesting surimono design featuring dried fish and black beans, with a rectangular inset of a kind of basket with a leaf clinging to it, and verses in the inset and at left. Tazukuri or dried sardines cooked in sugar and soy sauce are a traditional dish eaten at New Years, symbolizing a plentiful harvest. An unusual design.

Artist - Hokkei (1780 - 1850)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 13 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical centerfold. Toning, slight soiling, a few stains and light creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.