The artistry and reunion of two surimono albums reunites, for the first time in nearly a century, two extraordinary albums of surimono—privately commissioned Japanese woodblock prints created in the 1820s and 1830s. Featuring more than 175 exquisitely crafted prints combining poetry, imagery and refined printing techniques, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore a remarkable chapter in Japan’s artistic and literary history. One album, preserved intact by the Chiba City Museum of Art, is reunited with its companion, whose individual prints have long been part of the RISD Museum collection.

Originally assembled in Osaka during the late Edo period, these albums reveal the collaborative nature of surimono, bringing together the talents of poets, designers, carvers and printers. Created to celebrate seasonal festivals, poetry gatherings and personal milestones, the prints are distinguished by their luxurious papers, embossing, metallic pigments and playful kyōka poetry. The exhibition explores not only the exceptional craftsmanship behind these works but also the creative communities through which they were commissioned, exchanged and appreciated.

By reuniting these two albums after decades of separation, the exhibition sheds new light on the cultural, artistic and historical contexts in which they were produced. Through thematic sections dedicated to their creation, circulation and interpretation, The artistry and reunion of two surimono albums invites visitors to look closely at the relationship between image and text while reflecting on the enduring power of art to preserve memory, foster collaboration and connect people across cultures and generations.