Surimono blend the rich visual imagery of ukiyo-e with the ethereal art of poetry. During the Edo period, Japanese poetry societies and prosperous patrons commissioned these deluxe, limited-edition woodblock prints to mark special occasions such as the New Year or poetry competitions. Printed on the finest handmade papers, surimono were often inscribed with a light verse or clever aphorism and lavishly embellished with gold, silver, bronze, mica, embossing and burnishing. This collection includes both early Edo-period surimono as well as Meiji-period editions.