「松風台七番之内柄」|“Hilt of a Sword,” from the series of Seven Prints for the Shōfudai Poetry Circle

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the intimate world of Edo-period Japan (1615–1868), Kubo Shunman’s *“Hilt of a Sword,”* from the series *Seven for the Shōfudai Poetry Circle* (0s), exemplifies the refined art of *surimono*. These commissioned woodblock prints were tokens created for poetry enthusiasts, often featuring embossed textures, metallic pigments, and subtle colors on paper. Shunman, a versatile ukiyo-e artist poet, blended his mastery of ink and color to evoke poetic elegance in this compact 5⅜ × 7½-inch (13.7 × 18.6 cm) gem, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s H. O. Havemeyer Collection. The artwork’s focus on a sword hilt—a motif rich in samurai symbolism—ties into the Shōfudai circle’s haiku or renga gatherings, where images illustrated verses on nature, seasons, or transience. Shunman’s precise lines and delicate shading highlight the hilt’s intricate metalwork, showcasing woodblock printing’s technical prowess: multiple carved blocks layered for vibrant hues and fine details. This medium democratized high art for elite patrons, bridging literature and visual poetry. Such *surimono* offer a window into Japan’s cultured leisure, where art fostered community. Marvel at how Shunman captures quiet power in miniature form, inviting you to ponder the poetry it once accompanied.

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820