Ōban gold coin and mameita-gin silver “bean coin” against peony-motif decorated paper

Art Historical Context

Created in 1822 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), this exquisite woodblock print (surono) by Watanabe Kazan the allure of wealth through gleaming depictions of an ōban gold coin and a mameita-gin silver " coin" laid against richly patterned peony-motif. Kazan, a versatile artist known for his refined ukiyo-e style and literati influences, produced this intimate work—measuring just 8¼ x 7⅛ inches—as a privately commissioned piece, typical of surimono. These luxury prints, often shared among elite circles for New Year's greetings or announcements, featured superior craftsmanship like vibrant colors, metallic pigments, and subtle embossing to mimic opulence. The composition cleverly juxtaposes symbols of prosperity: peonies, revered in Japanese culture for their lush beauty and association with wealth and good fortune, cradle the coins, evoking the economic vibrancy of Edo-era merchant life. The year of the horse (1822) adds a zodiacal charm, personalizing the print for its patron. Kazan's precise rendering highlights the coins' intricate details, showcasing his mastery of still-life elements rare in ukiyo-e. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (gift of the Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914), this print offers a window into Japan's artistic ingenuity, blending everyday luxury with poetic symbolism for discerning viewers.

About the Artist

Watanabe Kazan · 1793–1841

Japanese, 1793–1841