TOYOTA HOKKEI (1780 – 1850) Clam Gathering at Shiba-u Surinomo Woodblock Print 1821 UKIYO-E ORIGINAL! UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED TO BE AUTHENTIC. This woodblock print came from the estate of a family member. It had been in our family for quite some time. After doing some significant research into antique Japanese woodblocks, and into this artist in particular, I was able to acquire some very useful information. They are known as Surinomo woodblocks and were commissioned by the poetry clubs of the elite. This one was commissioned by the Poets club Fundarike. These prints fall into the category of ukiyo-e prints; woodblock prints that depict the pleasures of everyday life, a notion that was in line with the Buddhist thinking that a spiritual life should take precedence over a more material one. The script above the print contains three short poems. Right: Poem by Asahi Ujukata: Haru no hi no / nakagi mo kata ni / wasurete wa / kaeru shihonaku / miyuru otome wa. On a day in spring, don’t forget yourself and stay too long on the beach and find no beach for return like these searching maidens. Middle: Poem by Asahi Machiuo: Shiohigata / chirasujigai ya / kaioke no / Futamigaura ni / asobu taoyame. Girls amuse themselves by the Bay of Double Views, the tidal basin littered with seashells and with shell baskets. Left: Poem by Asahi Sashiyasu: Taoyame no / hirou hoshigata wa / ustukushiki / hamagurizuma mo / miyuru Shibaura. How lovely the beach where the maidens brave the tide and gather seashells – Shibaura, a sight to see, with all its clams and pretty girls. They were only distributed to members of the poetry clubs. Since this was the case, these private printings were made in very small numbers. This explains why surinomo prints are so rare in the market today. The prints were made using the finest printing techniques which included embossing (which this print does have), burnishing, and special pigments. During the 1890′s, some Japanese printers reprinted some of the most popular designs by some of the famous artists like Hokkei. These Meiji printings were also made with a high degree of skill and quality. What differentiates the reprints from the originals are a few significant details. The originals were made using a thicker, more toned native paper. The paper used on the reprints is whiter. Also, in the reprints, the colors were slightly modified, and sometimes even changed completely from the originals. The most obvious change was the fact that additional color was added, usually to the embossed areas that were originally free of color. In this reprint, color was added to the background mountains, the ocean waves, and the clouds. I have attached a photo of this reprint for comparison purposes only. It is marked “NOT FOR SALE”. It can also be seen that the pigments on the reprint have been made using more modern, deeper inks. This print is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic in every way. From what I understand, these woodblock prints have done very well in the marketplace over the years, and are expected to continue to appreciate. This one is an original by one of the most famous surinomo artists. It qualifies as a blue chip piece of Japanese artwork. Our family has enjoyed it over the years, now it’s your turn to add it your family’s holdings of heirloom artwork. It will make for an unforgettable Holiday gift. Don’t miss it! This is a private listing in order to protect your privacy.