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. Many high-quality reprints of these great designs were published during the Meiji era.

A Special 1931 Group - These lovely prints come from a series of fifty classic surimono designs reprinted by the publisher Daito in 1931. Like the originals, many include deluxe embellishments, like embossing and metallic pigments. These fascinating and beautifully printed images continue to delight collectors today.

Comments - Intriguing surimono print of spiny lobster fashioned in the shape of the treasure ship of the Seven Lucky Gods, loaded with the "takaramono" or precious things such as a magic hat and raincoat, sacred jewels, and a magic mallet. The verse reads "The wind of the gods is breaking the morning fog and bringing in the takaramono." The lobster itself is a symbol of longevity and appears commonly in New Year's greetings and decorations. A clever design with wonderful detail, including delicate embossed lines on the body of the lobster and sail.

Artist - Toyohiro (1773 - 1828)

Image Size - 9" x 7 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous mounting. Slight toning. A few prints have slight soiling or a few spots. Please see photos for details. Generally in good condition overall.