Surimono 1840

This 1840 "Surimono" print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts a shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed musical instrument, resting on a red cloth alongside small wooden boxes. The elegant simplicity of the composition, with the instrument as the focal point, exemplifies the artistic style of the Edo period. "Surimono" prints were often commissioned for special occasions or to commemorate events, and this particular piece showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Japanese woodblock printing.