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 - Charming woodblock print of the smiling Ebisu, the God of Fisherman and Good Fortune, with his fishing pole and large red seam bream, a good luck symbol. A great surimono of one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, detailed with delicate cloth embossing in his white tunic.

Artist - Tenju Gyokuen (circa 1830-60)

Image Size - 9" x 8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, soiling, and spotting. Please see photos for details. Good condition overall.