Hokusai's "Surimono", Extravagant Special-order Print

Katsushika Hokusai is a world-renowned ukiyo-e artist and the pride of Japan. "Surimono," is woodcut prints that were privately commissioned for special occasions in the Edo period. A great deal of time and money was spent to create these extravagant works. The client commissioned the artist to create artwork to match the occasion, and spared no expense to carve and print the woodblocks using elaborate designs and techniques as well as expensive paper and paints. The themes and color palette of surimono often reflected the refined and sophisticated tastes of the wealthy and well-cultured clients. Since surimono were privately commissioned, however, only a small number of prints were produced and not many still exist today. Therefore, there are little-known masterpieces that are rarely exhibited.