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 - Attractive surimono image of a shirabyoshi dancer playing a hand drum over her shoulder. The beauty wears a black vest patterned with birds in flight over a purple kimono trimmed with pink and red, and a black court cap. Nicely detailed with embossing on the birds' feathers and accents of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone.

Artist - Katsushika Hokuun (Edo era)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Light vertical fold, diagonal fold at corner. Slight toning and creasing. Please see photos for details.