Poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura), from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets c. 1767 - 1768

Suzuki Harunobu’s woodblock print, Poem by Sangi Takamura, presents a scene of serene activity, rendered with delicate lines and subtle colors. The composition, divided into distinct planes, leads us from the foreground boat with two elegantly dressed women to a distant boat against a misty sky. The scene evokes a feeling of tranquil contemplation. Harunobu masterfully uses line and color to construct a complex interplay between the figures, objects, and background. The women’s flowing robes and the fishing lines create a network of verticals and diagonals, contrasting with the horizontal lines of the boats. The pastel hues, typical of Harunobu, soften the scene, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The print’s structure, with its blend of realism and stylized representation, reflects the cultural codes of 18th-century Japan, challenging traditional notions of space and perspective. It invites us to consider how aesthetic choices articulate broader artistic and philosophical concerns. Harunobu's arrangement of forms serves to underscore the fluid, transient nature of beauty.