Objects Representing the Ceremony of Exorcising Demons - Kubo Shunman

A refined surimono woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, depicting traditional Japanese New Year ritual objects used for warding off evil spirits.

This woodblock print by Kubo Shunman belongs to the genre of surimono, which were privately commissioned prints often distributed among members of poetry circles. Shunman was a central figure in the development of this refined style, which prioritised high-quality paper, subtle colour palettes, and sophisticated printing techniques such as embossing and metallic pigments.

The composition depicts items associated with the Setsubun festival, a traditional Japanese event marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The imagery includes a sprig of holly (hiiragi) and a sardine head, which were traditionally placed at doorways to ward off evil spirits and demons during the New Year period. The inclusion of these specific objects reflects the cultural practice of ritual purification.

Shunman arranges these elements with a sense of balance and restraint. The print features delicate calligraphic text, which provides context for the visual subject matter. The use of muted tones and fine lines demonstrates the technical precision expected of surimono production. Unlike commercial prints intended for mass distribution, this work reflects the aesthetic preferences of an educated elite who valued understated elegance and literary allusion. The composition remains sparse, allowing the viewer to focus on the symbolic nature of the objects presented. The print serves as a visual record of seasonal customs, captured through the lens of a master of the Edo period.