A Quiver of Arrows, a Potted Plum near a Low Screen

Art Historical Context

In the early 19th century, Japan's Edo period, Ryuryuk Shinsai crafted *A Quiver of Arrows a Potted Plum near Low Screen* as a delicate surimono—a luxurious, privately commissioned woodblock print. These intimate works, measuring just 20 × 17.3 cm, were often produced for poetry societies or New Year's celebrations, featuring exquisite color printing with subtle embossing, mica dusting and precise carving to mimic luxury. Shinsai a master of uki-e's "pictures of the floating world," specialized in such refined floral and still-life compositions, blending everyday elegance with poetic subtlety. The print's composition centers on a quiver of arrows—evoking archery traditions and perhaps martial poise—alongside a potted plum tree, a symbol of resilience as it blooms in late winter, positioned near a low screen for a serene, enclosed intimacy. This arrangement highlights Shinsai's skill in capturing texture and light, from the arrows' feathered quills to the plum's delicate branches, using layered colors and fine lines typical of surimono's high-end craftsmanship. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this piece offers a window into elite Edo culture, where art intertwined with literature and seasonal rituals, delighting collectors with its hidden poems and seasonal wit. A testament to woodblock printing's pinnacle, it invites visitors to savor Japan's harmonious blend of nature, symbolism, and artistry.