Arranged Flowers for New Year

Art Historical Context

"Arranged Flowers for New" is a delicate 19th-century colorblock print by Keis Eisen, a prominent Japanese artist of the ukiyo-e known for his elegant depictions of beauties, landscapes, and everyday scenes. Created as a *surimono*—a luxurious, privately commissioned print often produced for special occasions like the New Year—this intimate work measures just 21.3 × 19.1 cm, perfect for personal gifting or display in a home alcove. Surimono like this one highlight the pinnacle of Edo-period printing techniques, with vibrant colors layered through multiple woodblocks, subtle embossing, and sometimes mica for a shimmering effect. Eisen's composition celebrates the Japanese tradition of *ikebana* (flower arranging), symbolizing renewal and prosperity at the start of the year. These prints frequently included poems from the sponsor, blending art, literature, and seasonal rituals in a culturally rich format. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this piece offers a window into Japan's vibrant print culture, where art was accessible yet exquisitely refined, bridging the gap between elite patronage and popular appreciation.

About the Artist

Keisai Eisen · 1790–1848

Keisai Eisen (1790–1848), born Ikeda Yoshinobu in Edo (modern Tokyo), emerged as one of the late Edo period's most prolific ukiyo-e masters. The son of the renowned calligrapher and Kanō-school painter Ikeda Shigeharu, Eisen was immersed in the arts from childhood. He apprenticed under Kanō Hakkeisai, adopting the art name "Keisai" in homage to his teacher, and later studied bijin-ga (images of be...