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.

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, detailed with embossing on the white areas of the robe, embossed lines to indicate the folds of the black robe, and accents of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone.

Artist - Hokkei (1780 - 1850)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small hole, repaired. Toning, a few creases. Please see photos for details.