Japanese Woodblock 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.

Comments - Attractive surimono in an unusual oban diptych format featuring a vase of peonies beside a black lacquer box holding poem slips. A border in the form of an unrolled scroll surrounds the verse at left. A handsome design.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 19"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with somewhat stiff paper. Vertical centerfold. Please see photos for details.