Designs for Leather
19th century
Medium
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
5 9/16 x 7 1/4 in. (14.1 x 18.4 cm)
Classification
Prints
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Accession Number
JP1987
Tags
Art Historical Context
Kubo Shunman's *Designs for Leather* is a exquisite example of 19th-century Japanese surimono, a luxurious form of woodblock print produced in small editions for private patrons, often poetry enthusiasts or New Year's greetings. This intimate work, measuring just 5 9/16 x 7 1/4 inches, features intricate floral and leafy motifs in vibrant inks and colors on paper—patterns likely intended as templates for leather goods, blending fine art with practical design. Created during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), when ukiyo-e prints captured the floating world's elegance, Shunman's piece showcases hi...
About the Artist
Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820
Japanese, 1757–1820