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.

Comments - A rare, exceptional Kunisada surimono design of a quiet street in the Yoshiwara on a cool evening. A geisha pauses to look up at a beauty who peers over the veranda above, the sleeves of her red robe draped over the railing. The geisha is bundled up against the night air with a black scarf wrapped about her head. Barely visible in the dark night sky are faint stars and two love poems, one by Chokujuen Junma and one by Kio Enba. Kunisada's signature appears on the side of the lantern in the foreground, a charming detail. A captivating design that is considered one of the artist's best.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 8 1/8" x 7 3/8"

Condition - This print with nice detail as shown. A couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details.