New Year's Day of the Year of Snake
19th century
Hokusai, best known for his roaring waves, shows his softer side in this delicate surimono print. A branch of plum blossoms—the herald of Japanese spring—lies across a reddish board, its long, curling twigs sweeping out to the left like a slithering snake to celebrate the 'Year of the Snake.' A pair of scissors rests at the bottom, suggesting the flowers were just cut for a festive New Year's arrangement. These luxury prints were privately commissioned and exchanged as poetic greeting cards among the artistic elite, making this a rare, intimate glimpse into Edo-period celebrations.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper