Kubo Shunman (Japan, 1757-1820) woodblock print depicting a horned owl perched on the flowering branch of a magnolia tree, with a poem upper right, c. 1800. The magnolia blossoms are embossed and faintly colored in pink and purple tones. Ref.: Ukiyoe: Il Mondo Fluttuante (2004), pp.179-180. Sheet. 7 5/8" H x 7 1/8" W. Note: "This is an exquisite example of one of Kubo Shunman's surimono, a privately-produced and limited-edition print often commissioned to mark a special occasion. Surimono usually feature poems, often composed by the people who ordered them, and are typified by the intimate relationship between text and image. Here, the poem is delicately rendered to the upper right of the owl, which perches on the branch of a flowering magnolia. Shunman was a celebrated painter, printmaker and author of the Edo period. As a printmaker, he specialized in surimono." (Source: Victoria and Albert Museum)

PROVENANCE: A Nashville, Tennessee Estate.

CONDITION: Overall good condition, trimmed to the plate mark. With toning and minor soiling to edges. Adhered to backing along upper edge, with faint crease along hinge.