Books and Cards
18th–19th century
Medium
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
7 x 6 1/2 in. (17.8 x 16.5 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
JP2187
Tags
Art Historical Context
Created in Japan during the late Edo period, "Books and Cards" is a charming surimono—a privately commissioned woodblock print—by the artist Reisai. Measuring just seven by six-and-a-half inches, this intimate work exemplifies the refined aesthetic of surimono, which were typically produced in small editions for poetry circles, New Year greetings, or personal exchanges. Unlike commercial ukiyo-e prints, surimono often featured luxurious details such as embossing and metallic pigments, allowing artists to celebrate everyday objects with poetic elegance. The subject of books and cards reflects ...