Needle-Holder with Spools and a Knife for Cutting Cloth - Shūchōdō Monoyana

A refined Japanese surimono woodblock print depicting sewing tools and a cutting knife, accompanied by elegant calligraphy.

This woodblock print, a form of surimono, depicts a collection of sewing implements arranged within a wooden box. The composition focuses on the tactile qualities of the objects: a red pincushion, paper-wrapped spools, and a curved cutting knife. The artist employs a clean, minimalist aesthetic, allowing the wood grain texture of the container and the subtle colour gradients on the knife blade to provide visual interest. Surimono were private commissions, often produced for poetry circles, which explains the inclusion of calligraphic text surrounding the objects. The script integrates with the visual elements, creating a balanced page where the written word and the depicted object share equal importance.

The print reflects the cultural appreciation for craft and domestic tools in Edo-period Japan. By isolating these everyday items, the artist elevates them to the status of a still life subject. The use of soft, muted tones and the precise application of ink demonstrate the technical skill of the carvers and printers involved in the production of such luxury items. The composition is intentionally flat, avoiding traditional Western perspective to maintain a focus on the decorative arrangement of the tools. This work provides a glimpse into the material culture of the period, where even the most functional items were subject to artistic interpretation and refinement. The print remains a quiet example of the attention to detail characteristic of the surimono tradition, where the quality of paper and the subtlety of the colour palette were paramount to the patron's experience.