The Proper Way of Drinking New Year's Sake (Toso no miki namesomuru tei), from the series "Teaching Manners According to the Colors of the Spring (Shunshoku shitsukekata)"

Art Historical Context

Kubo Shunman's *The Proper Way of Drinking Year's Sake (T no miki namesom tei)*, created around 1807, is a charming color woodblock print from his *Teaching Manners According to the of the Spring (Shshoku shitsukekata)*. As a master of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" genre, Shunman delighted in capturing everyday elegance and whimsy during Japan's Edo period. This intimate *koban* format—measuring just 19.8 × 8.5 cm—makes it a pocket-sized gem, perfect for personal appreciation. The scene illustrates the refined etiquette for sipping *toso*, a spiced, medicinal sake traditionally drunk at New Year to ward off evil spirits and usher in good fortune and health. Part of a humorous series on proper conduct, it reflects the era's fascination with social graces amid festive rituals, blending instruction with lighthearted charm. Such prints offered playful guidance on manners tied to seasonal colors and customs. Printed as a *surimono*—a luxury woodblock edition often commissioned for New Year's greetings—Shunman's work showcases exquisite techniques like vibrant colors, fine lines, and subtle embossing for texture. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, it invites us to savor Japan's rich cultural traditions through art's joyful lens.

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820