Camellia
1870
Shokyo Japanese, active late 19th century
Japan
This delicate surimono illustrates a single, elegant pink and white camellia blossom placed in a bamboo vessel. The technical quality of the print is high: Shokyo gave the vessel a three-dimensional feel with the skillful use of bokashi shading and emphasized the delicate colors of the blossom by creating a monochromatic background. The paper was treated with mica and glistens in the light. Shôkyo was also the host of this small gathering.
Color woodblock print; surimono