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.

Wood: Lu Zhishen - Fantastic design of the Chinese warrior Lu Zhishen uprooting a tree trunk. He grips the tree with both hands, straining as he pulls, his muscles bulging and his face contorted with a look of intense concentration. His upper body is completely covered with an intricate floral tattoo. A red cloth bag is tied to the end of his large wooden staff. An incredible design from this series based on the historic novel known as "The Suikoden" in Japan. A terrific composition with fine embossed detail on his white robe.

Artist - Hokkei (1780 - 1850)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 6 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small losses at edge, a few wormholes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.