Inro and Two Netsuke - Kubo Shunman

A refined surimono woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, featuring an inro and netsuke alongside elegant calligraphy and embossed details.

This surimono print by Kubo Shunman presents a refined study of personal accessories, specifically an inro (a traditional Japanese tiered container) and two netsuke (toggles used to secure the inro to a sash). Shunman was a prominent figure in the development of surimono, which were privately commissioned prints often exchanged among poets and connoisseurs. These works typically feature high-quality paper, metallic pigments, and sophisticated printing techniques like embossing.

The composition is balanced, featuring a dark, lacquered inro decorated with stylized trees on the left. Beside it sits a netsuke, rendered with subtle shading. To the right, a figure is depicted through blind embossing, a technique known as karazuri, which creates a tactile, sculptural effect on the paper surface without the use of ink. This ghost-like presence adds a layer of depth to the otherwise flat, graphic arrangement of the objects.

Surrounding the objects are columns of calligraphy, which provide context for the commission. These poems often relate to the objects depicted or the occasion for which the print was created. The restraint in the colour palette, dominated by the deep black of the inro and the cream tone of the paper, reflects the aesthetic preferences of the Edo-period literati. Shunman, who was also a poet, integrated text and image with precision, ensuring that the visual elements complemented the literary content. This print demonstrates the technical mastery of the woodblock medium, particularly in the application of subtle textures and the careful placement of negative space. It remains a clear example of the collaborative nature of surimono production, where artist, poet, and printer worked in close coordination to produce a work of art intended for a discerning audience.