Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono

by Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)

Current Status

Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono by Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)

Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono

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.

During the 1890s, publishers reprinted some of the most popular designs by famous artists like Hokkei, Gakutei, Hokusai and others. In keeping with the surimono tradition, the Meiji printings were equally exquisite, printed with the finest inks and embellished with embossing, lacquered pigments, and other design features. In some cases, the original Edo era prints no longer exist, making the Meiji reprints the only record of these subjects. These fascinating and beautifully printed images continue to delight collectors today.

Comments - Charming surimono design of a shirabyoshi dancer performing with an open fan. Shirabyoshi dancers were always women dressed in men's clothing who performed for nobles and high ranking samurai. This tradition originated in the late Heian period during a time of cultural and political change. Educated women found a new role in court through taking up performance. Detailed with metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the fan, cap, hilt, and kimono.

Artist - Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 7"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight paper remnants on reverse at edges from previous mounting. Toning, soiling, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details.

Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono by Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)
Shirabyoshi Dancer Surimono by Oishi Matora (1794 - 1833)

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