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.

Fuijwara Clan Surimono - Interesting Hokusai design of two jewels and a sickle resting on a table covered with a brocade cloth patterned with cherry blossoms and pine sprigs. The sickle represents the Fujiwara Clan. According to legend, the kami (sacred spirit) Inari gave young Fujiwara no Kamatari a magical sickle that would protect him as long as it was in his possession. Softly shaded, embossed rays radiate from the jewels. The cloth is detailed with delicate embossing in the flower petals. A handsome and unusual surimono subject.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 7 1/2"

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