Woman Weaving

Dimensions: Shikishiban, 8½ x 6¾ in. (21.59 x 17.15 cm)

Markings: Artist's signature: Shigenobu 重信 Artist's seal: Yanagawa 柳川 (red, positive, in circle)

Gift of Dr. Lee Ehrlich

Excerpt from "Surimono--Prints by Elbow," by Edythe Polster and Alfred H. Marks, p. 359. "The graceful weaver sits at the loom in her working kimono of green with white pattern, shading into white with a green pattern, The red touches of her shitagi match the colors in the brocade she is weaving for New Years' finery. The loom itself is shown at an angle, which makes it a skillful part of the composition as a whole. The tension of the foot pressure and positioning of the hands make the task come alive. Touches of mica brighten the surimono but the light-colored lettering of the poetry, balanced by the weaver working the loom, focuses the eye on the job being done. See our nibuban-- A bolt of cloth rarely found In times new or old-- A new pattern for the spring, Glittering with golden threads. Eikinsha Kohagi A field of brocade, Filled with New Year's plum blossoms, As fitting background For gossamer flies weaving Themselves in this spring's patterns. Kinshuro Shitakata" Polster, Edythe, and Alfred H. Marks. Surimono: Prints by Elbow. Washington, D.C.: Lovejoy Press, 1980.