The First Tea of the Year Surimono

by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Current Status

The First Tea of the Year Surimono by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
The First Tea of the Year Surimono

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 - Attractive surimono design of a beauty holding a teakettle, a tray with bowls nearby as she prepares to serve the first tea of the New Year. Another woman and a young child peer into a brazier on the floor filled with glowing red coals. A charming design.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details.

The First Tea of the Year Surimono by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)
The First Tea of the Year Surimono by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)