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 - Intriguing surimono portrait of the mythical sage Shinno (Shennong in Chinese), considered to be deity in China. He wears a coat made of leaves, clasping his hands together as he sits on rock. He has bump on his head resembling horns, and his finger- and toenails are long and pointed. His takara-no-tsuba or treasure jar rests on a rustic tray before him. Beautifully detailed with fine line work, and embossing on the jar and the white under robe. We've never before offered this subject.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse from previous mounting. Toning, slight soiling, a few creases, small rubbed spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.