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.

Jurojin Surimono - Handsome surimono print of an elegant courtesan kneeling on the floor holding a slender pipe in her hand. She represents Jurojin, the god of wisdom and longevity. Her kimono is patterned with a deer, Jurojin's constant companion, and maple leaves, trimmed with a plum geometric pattern and bordered with brown, the fabric spreading out on the floor around her. Her long pipe stands in for Jurojin's walking stick. The second poem is by Yoshinoya Futaba, and reads:

Perhaps she will use
a deer's-hair brush to compose
the year's first love note,
since, as they say, South Mountain
will shower its blessings on spring.

A charming design with accents of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone on the kimono.

Artist - Gakutei (1786 - 1868)

Image Size - 8 5/8" x 7 1/4"

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