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. These fine quality suriomono reprints offer a great way to collect these classic designs at an affordable price.

The Chomonju: Snake and Melons Surimono - Fascinating surimono print of a large snake curling around two melons, lifting its head up. The poem inscribed above describes how the snake will grow into a dragon and go into the mountains to raise clouds of white cherry blossoms. The snake is a divine animal thought to provide water and encourage the spring cherry blossom season. The paper lining the tray is rendered in embossed lines, a nice touch.

Artist - Hokkei (1780 - 1850)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7 1/4"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. A couple creases, small indented mark on background. Please see photos for details.