Swallows and Peonies

"Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Swallows and Peonies," a delicate woodblock print created by the talented artist Teisai Hokuba. This artwork is part of a series of privately published woodblock prints known as surimono, commissioned for New Year's greetings and treasured for their intricate poetry and imagery.

Poetic Beauty: Surimono, like "Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū)," are celebrated for their poetic verses, often composed in the kyōka style, which features witty thirty-one syllable verses. This particular print captures the essence of spring, with verses and imagery that evoke the season's beauty.

Swallows and Peonies: The artwork showcases graceful swallows in flight, a symbol of spring and renewal in Japanese culture. Surrounding them are delicate peonies, a beloved flower known for its lush petals and rich symbolism of prosperity and honor.

Hokuba's Artistry: Teisai Hokuba, a pupil of the renowned ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai, demonstrates his artistic prowess in this print. He uses woodblock printing techniques to create soft gradations of ink tones, resulting in a painterly effect that adds depth and texture to the composition.

Collector's Delight: "Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Swallows and Peonies" is a collector's delight, representing the collaboration between a talented artist and poets of the Asakusa kyōka poetry group. It's a testament to the artistry of the Edo period and the enduring appeal of surimono prints.

Dimensions: This woodblock print measures 8 1/4 x 7 1/16 inches (21 x 17.9 cm), making it a compact yet striking piece of art that can be displayed prominently or added to your collection of fine prints.

Cultural Significance: Surimono prints hold cultural significance as expressions of art, poetry, and seasonal celebrations in Japan. They offer a glimpse into the literary and artistic traditions of the Edo period.

"Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 3: Swallows and Peonies" invites you to appreciate the beauty of nature, poetry, and artistry intertwined in a single print. Whether framed as an exquisite wall decoration or cherished as a collector's item, this woodblock print brings the charm of Edo-era Japan to your home or gallery.