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 - Wonderful surimono of a fan patterned with a magnificent peacock design. The circular inset at left shows a beauty holding a folding fan. The peacock and woman's face are beautifully drawn with delicate linework. The metallic pigment on the background of the circular inset has oxidized to a dark tone. A lovely subject. The poem by Asanoya Naonari reads:

Along with the birds
hopping to and fro, the sun's
long tail-feather rays
bring out the golden luster
of this jeweled first day of spring.

Artist - Gakutei (1786 - 1868)

Image Size - 8 3/8" x 7"

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Some prints have a couple creases at edges or spots. Please see photos for details.