Private World of Surimono: Japanese Prints from the Virginia Shawan Drosten and Patrick Kenadjian Collection

The Private World of Surimono is a beautiful volume that showcases the tradition of Japanese surimono prints, which were produced from 1800 to 1840 during the Edo period. These prints combine intricate artwork with playful poetry and are known for their lavish yet subtle surface treatments, such as embossing and gilding. The book features imagery ranging from delicate still lifes to spirited vignettes of the natural world and includes scholarly apparatus to assist scholars in their study of Japanese art and history.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 05 May 2020
\n Publisher: Yale University Press
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This exquisite volume pays homage to the enduring tradition of Japanese surimono prints, which flourished from around 1800 to 1840 during the Edo period. Surimono, meaning "printed things" in Japanese, are a unique blend of virtuosic printmaking techniques, sophisticated imagery, and engaging, playful poetry. Due to their limited print runs and exclusive audiences, surimono allowed for lavish yet subtle surface treatments, such as embossing and gilding, which added to their allure. These prints were cherished for their scholarly allusions to literature and contemporary culture, as well as their visual puns and wordplay.

The imagery in surimono spans a wide range, from delicate and domestic still lifes to spirited vignettes of the natural world. The poems, often written in the classical Japanese waka form, are lighthearted and witty, offering a delightful perspective on Japanese culture and society.

The Private World of Surimono is a valuable resource for scholars of Japanese art and history. It includes a comprehensive catalog of the prints, with names and titles in kanji characters, as well as transliterations and translations of the poems. This extensive scholarly apparatus provides valuable insights into the artistic and cultural context of surimono and enhances the appreciation of these rare and innovative print forms.

In addition to its scholarly value, The Private World of Surimono offers general readers a glimpse into this rare and captivating print genre. The prints are showcased in their full glory, with vibrant colors and intricate details that evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. This book serves as a testament to the enduring creativity and innovation of Japanese artists and their contribution to the world of art.

Overall, this exquisite volume is a must-have for anyone interested in Japanese art, culture, and history. It showcases the remarkable fusion of printmaking, imagery, and poetry, and provides a deep understanding of this unique and influential print form.

\n Weight: 1584g\n
Dimension: 114 x 299 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780300247114\n \n