Cakes In a Box with Wrapping Cloth 19th century

This 19th-century woodblock print by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai depicts a box with a decorative wrapping cloth. The box is open to reveal a variety of different patterns and scenes. The print is likely a *surimono*, or a "printed thing", which was a popular form of art in Edo-period Japan. *Surimono* prints often featured intricate designs and poetic themes, and were commissioned by wealthy patrons as gifts or tokens of appreciation. The details of the box and its contents, as well as the delicate brushstrokes used to create the image, highlight the skill and artistry of the printmaker. The image would have been appreciated by those who were familiar with Japanese aesthetics and poetic traditions, as well as by those who simply enjoyed the beauty of the print itself.