The First Work in the New Year (Saiko hajime)

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 produced in limited editions for poetry circles or elite patrons. Printed on high-quality paper with vibrant colors, metallic pigments (such as mica for shimmer), and subtle embossing, they elevated woodblock printing to an art form rivaling painting. The intimate album format allowed personal appreciation, blending visual beauty with inscribed kyōka (humorous poems), reflecting Edo Japan's cultured urban life. Shunman's piece highlights the cultural importance of New Year's rituals, where art warded off misfortune and invited prosperity. As a bridge between popular ukiyo-e and refined literati tastes, it showcases the technical mastery of multi-block printing, offering visitors a window into 18th-century Japan's harmonious blend of festivity, poetry, and craftsmanship. (198 words)

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820