Box for Sugoroku Game (A Kind of Backgammon), Bow and Drum

Art Historical Context

This exquisite woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition in 19th-century, depicts a decorative box for sugoroku—a traditional board game akin to backgammon, chance and strategy for festive entertainment. Titled *Box for Sugoroku (A Kind of Backmon), Bow and Drum it captures playful motifs like bows and drums, evoking rhythmic joy of games and music during the Edo period (1615–1868). Produced as a *surimono*—a luxurious, privately commissioned print often shared among poetry circles—the work measures a compact 8¼ x 7¼ inches, perfect for intimate appreciation. Surimono like this one elevated woodblock printing beyond mass-produced ukiyo-e, employing vibrant inks, subtle embossing, and metallic pigments for a tactile, jewel-like quality. Shunman's precise lines and harmonious colors reflect his poetic sensibility, infusing everyday objects with elegance. Sugoroku was a social staple, especially during New Year's, symbolizing good fortune and community bonds in urban Edo society. From the H.O. Havemeyer Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this print offers a window into Japan's refined gaming culture, where art and leisure intertwined seamlessly. (198 words)

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820