Saddle and Other Pieces of Harness - Kubo Shunman

A refined surimono woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, featuring a detailed arrangement of traditional Japanese equestrian equipment and elegant calligraphy.

This woodblock print by Kubo Shunman belongs to the genre of surimono, a form of privately commissioned, limited-edition print often exchanged among members of poetry circles. Unlike commercial ukiyo-e prints produced for the general public, surimono were crafted with high-quality materials, such as metallic pigments and embossing, to demonstrate the refined taste of the patron.

Shunman, a versatile artist who was also a poet, frequently incorporated calligraphic inscriptions into his compositions. In this work, the arrangement of equestrian equipment—a saddle, reins, and decorative textiles—is presented with a focus on material texture and pattern. The artist employs a muted colour palette, allowing the focus to remain on the juxtaposition of the geometric check patterns against the organic, flowing lines of the ropes and harness. The composition is deliberately flat, prioritising the decorative quality of the objects over a realistic spatial arrangement.

Such prints were often produced for special occasions, such as the New Year, and the inclusion of poetry suggests a thematic link between the visual subject and the written word. The saddle, rendered with careful attention to its lacquered surface and textile coverings, acts as a still-life subject that reflects the aesthetic values of the Edo period literati. The print demonstrates the technical precision of the woodblock medium, particularly in the fine lines of the calligraphy and the subtle gradations of colour. By isolating these objects from their functional context, Shunman invites the viewer to appreciate the craftsmanship inherent in the items themselves. This piece remains a representative example of the sophisticated, private art culture that flourished alongside the more widely circulated prints of the era.