『鳥合』　桜草に雲雀|Skylarks and Primroses,” from the Series An Array of Birds (Tori awase), from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 3)

Art Historical Context

Behold *Skylarks and Primros* (*『鳥合』 桜草に雲雀*), delicate woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, created around 1805–10 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868). Part of the series *An Array of Birds (*Tori awase*) within the luxurious *Spring Rain Surim Album* (vol. 3), this intimate work captures skylarks soaring amid blooming primroses, evoking the poetic beauty of spring. Shunman, a versatile ukiyo-e master known for his refined bird-and-flower motifs, infused the scene with harmonious naturalism, blending Japanese elegance with subtle whimsy. Crafted as a privately published *surimono*—elite woodblock prints commissioned for poetry clubs or New Year's greetings—this piece exemplifies the medium's artistry. Printed with vibrant inks and colors on paper, then mounted in an album (measuring just 8¼ x 5⅜ inches), it likely featured deluxe techniques like embossing or mica for a shimmering effect, reserved for discerning patrons. These exclusive prints celebrated seasonal themes, fostering cultural exchange among literati. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's H. O. Havemeyer Collection, this gem highlights Edo Japan's fusion of art and poetry, where birds and flowers symbolized renewal and transience. Visitors will appreciate its compact scale, perfect for savoring the fleeting grace of nature in a bustling world.

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820