Magnolia Flowers
19th century
Medium
Part of an album of woodblock prints (surimono); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
8 5/16 x 7 3/8 in. (21.1 x 18.7 cm)
Classification
Prints
Culture
Japan
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
JP2310
Tags
Art Historical Context
Kubo Shunman's *Magnolia Flowers* (19th century) is a delicate gem from the world of Japanese surimono—luxurious, privately commissioned woodblock prints often created for poetic gatherings or New Year's celebrations. This intimate work, measuring just 8 5/16 x 7 3/8 inches, captures the elegant bloom of magnolia flowers and leaves with vibrant ink and color on paper. As part of a larger album, it exemplifies the Edo-period artistry of Shunman (1777–1845), a master of uki-e who blended poetry, nature, and refined technique. Surimono like this one stand out for their opulence: intricate carvin...
About the Artist
Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820
Japanese, 1757–1820