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. These fine quality suriomono reprints offer a great way to collect these classic designs at an affordable price.

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. A few embossed rays radiate from the jewels. The cloth is detailed with delicate embossing ion the flower petals. A handsome and unusual surimono subject.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 7 7/8" x 6 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Toning, slight soiling and rubbing. Please see photos for details.