Unknown
1855
Medium
Color woodblock print; surimono
Classification
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
103319
Art Historical Context
This exquisite color woodblock print, created in 1855, hails from Japan's late Edo period—a time when ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," captured the vibrant ephemera of urban life, theater, and nature. Classified as a surimono, this privately commissioned print stands out for its luxurious production, often made for elite occasions like New Year's celebrations or poetry gatherings. Held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Japanese printmaking just before the Meiji Restoration transformed the nation. Surimono prints...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...