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.

Comments - Intriguing surimono print of spiny lobster fashioned in the shape of the treasure ship of the Seven Lucky Gods, loaded with the "takaramono" or precious things such as a magic hat and raincoat, sacred jewels, and a magic mallet. The verse reads "The wind of the gods is breaking the morning fog and bringing in the takaramono." The lobster itself is a symbol of longevity and appears commonly in New Year's greetings and decorations. A clever design with wonderful detail, including delicate embossed lines on the body of the lobster and sail.

Artist - Toyohiro (1773 - 1828)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.