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I found that these types of prints are called Shikishiban.

I still don't know the artist of the 2nd print.

dave

"Shikishiban" refers to the size of the paper for the print. Approx. 8" X 7" it was often used for surimono prints - special, non-commercial prints made for a private group or to memorialize an auspicious occasion.

Hi Geo,

Thanks for the response. So, are Surimono prints looked upon as bootleg copies or was this just the custom at the time? My Dad used to buy CDs and make a dozen copies for friends. I always frowned upon this.

Thanks for your response and let me know more.

Dave

No, not at all. Surimono (literally "printed thing") prints were produced for private use - commonly a poetry club or other group - and often used the highest quality printing techniques to produce a print for a special occasion (a poetry reading or meeting of some sort for the special group) where the prints, rather than being sold to the general public were made strictly for the members of that particular group.

Surimono routinely used metallic pigments, burnishing and "blind" printing techniques as the goal was to make a noteworthy keepsake of some event, rather than to simply sell a print to an anonymous public.

That being said, in the 20th century lots of "tourist grade" prints have been made in the surimono format for sale at souvenir outlets. These often are trimmed with a gold stripe around the perimeter and mounted in a cheesy frame.

But "real" surimono of the late Edo era are a genre of collecting all on their own. Because of the usual high quality of the prints, the collectors of this genre can get quite obsessed with them.

Here is some info on surimono prints.

http://viewingjapaneseprints.net/texts/topictexts/artist_varia_topics/surimono_poems7.html

Also see link below.

Regards,
Stan

URL Title :Wikipedia - Surimono

Geo and Stan, thanks so much. Learning something everyday.

Dave

We have only one example of surimono - the below rabbit doing calligraphy by Toyokuni I. You can see metallic pigment on the screen behind the rabbit. Regrettably, the print is adhered to cardboard that appears to be somewhat acidic.

Cheers,
Stan

Thanks for taking the time Stan. I can see the metal pigments in the screen and think I get it. I probably have 7 tourist grade prints and 3 real ones?

Thanks for your help.

Dave

If you put up some pix, we'll help you sort them out.

Cheers,
Stan

Thanks for your gracious offer Stan. See attached.

Dave

More of the same

Dave,

We've been talking at cross purposes. These are not Japanese woodblock prints. Please disregard all of the above information. These appear to be watercolors, possbily Chinese. I have no expertise in this area. With luck, someone else will jump in and lend a hand.

Cheers,
Stan

I am interested in purchasing Surimono prints. I can be reached at [email protected] with any information you might have.

Thank you

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