Surimono: 'Tale of the Tongue-cut Sparrow' Date:1827
It depicts a painting of the Courtesan Yugiri Tayu likely produced for the 150th Anniversary of the death of Yugiri. The poem is by Katsumi and a haiku by Fuboku. Surimono are small prints that were originally meant to be invitation cards for a gathering at poetry clubs, mostly in and around Edo (Tokyo). They were designed by many great artists at the beginning of the 19th century and were mostly printed with great care. Surimono often had a poem on the front and sometimes a hint towards the season. They were private issues, without censorship seals. They were smaller, the quality of the prints was better and the designs were real examples of miniature art. The surimono was the ultimate medium for the artist (designer, woodcutter and printer) to show his mastership. Oishi was young and often worked with Poetry Clubs designing surimono prints for their poetry and often the art was specific to the poem and usually complimentary. Translation of poetry can sometimes be found, but alas, not for this one. There are several paper sizes known, but a surimono is never bigger than a normal (western) book and seldom smaller than a postcard. This surimono print first published c1827 is a beautiful example of an art form that has withstood the test of time. This edition published by Tsumura, likely dates to c1880s-90s, when the foreign market interest was high, and the quantities were low. The artwork shows nice color with wonderful use of metallic mica pigments in gold and silver. Overall, this print is in fine condition. True surimono prints are exceedingly rare. This surimono print, which floats on its yellow ground measures about 7.75" x 7". It is matted in black. The simple black frame measures 12" x 9.5".  
P4751               $295.00