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 - Terrific surimono print of a lion dancer performing for a festival. The mouth of the lion mask is open in a fierce roar, and its mane is made up of strips of white paper. A drummer and a flute player provide the musical accompaniment. An attractive scene with touches of embossing in the costume's flowing green robe.

Artist - Edo era artist (not read)

Image Size - 8" x 8 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning and ink offsetting, a few small spots and indented lines. Please see photos for details. Good overall.