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.

During the 1890s, publishers reprinted some of the most popular designs by famous artists like Hokkei, Gakutei, Hokusai and others. In keeping with the surimono tradition, the Meiji printings were equally exquisite, printed with the finest inks and embellished with embossing, lacquered pigments, and other design features. In some cases, the original Edo era prints no longer exist, making the Meiji reprints the only record of these subjects. These fascinating and beautifully printed images continue to delight collectors today.

Comments - Terrific image of a crow perched on the torii gate of a shrine, with a bold red sun behind it. The bird is silhouetted in black against the red orb, its beak is open as it caws. A rugged pine tree with clusters of dark green needles fills the space behind the gate. A striking surimono design we've only seen once before.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

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

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