Surimono in shape of small twofold screen 1750 - 1835

This print, by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, is a "surimono" - a privately commissioned woodblock print, made in Japan in the early 19th century. The image is printed on paper using multiple woodblocks, each carrying a different color. Notice the lines, textures and subtle gradations of tone, all achieved by the hand of a skilled block cutter and printer. The labor involved in creating these complex prints was significant; each color required a separate block, and precise registration was essential. Surimono were often commissioned by poetry societies or other groups, and the imagery and inscriptions would be chosen to reflect the interests and aesthetics of the patron. This particular print takes the form of a miniature folding screen and depicts scenes related to New Year celebrations. When we consider the processes and social context of this print, we recognize the vibrant culture that supported the collaborative efforts of artists, artisans, and patrons, blurring any assumed boundary between commercial design and fine art.