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 design of the immortal or sennin Koshohei using his staff to transform stones into goats. He leans forward waving the slender bamboo pole in his hand as the boulder below starts to take on the form of a goat, looking back at him. According to legend, at age fifteen, the goatherd Koshohei decided to take his flock into the mountains and meditate and study magic in a cave. After forty years, his brother found him, and was alarmed by not seeing any goats. Koshohei touched his staff to the boulders lying around, instantly changing them into goats. A terrific image with delicate embossed detail on the red robe.

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 - Shigenobu I (1787 - 1832)

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

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