Who created "The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)"?

The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime) was created by Kubo Shunman in c. 1790s.

When was "The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)" created?

This artwork was created c. 1790s.

What medium is "The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)"?

The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime) is Color woodblock print; surimono, sheet from an album.

Is "The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)" in the public domain?

Yes, The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime) is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)

Kubo Shunman

c. 1790s

Medium

Color woodblock print; surimono, sheet from an album

Classification

woodblock print

Department

Arts of Asia

Museum

Art Institute of Chicago

Accession Number

89334

Art Historical Context

**The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime by Kubo Shunman created around the 1790s, the exquisite world of *surimono*—privately commissioned woodblock prints Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Shunman, a versatile ukiyo-e artist in painting, poetry, and printmaking, was renowned for his delicate, poetic compositions. This color woodblock print, a sheet from an album the Art Institute of Chicago Arts of Asia collection, the auspicious spirit of Japan's New Year celebrations, where the "first work" symbolized fresh beginnings and good fortune. Surimono like this one were luxury items, often p...

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820

The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)

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