Haiku Poet Shohaku c. early 19th century

Yokoi Kinkoku's "Haiku Poet Shohaku" is a portrait of a seated figure, likely a well-known haiku poet of the time, painted in the early 19th century. The painting depicts the poet with a distinct round face and a relaxed, jovial expression. The use of loose brushstrokes and light washes of color is characteristic of Kinkoku's style, known as Nanga or "Southern Painting," which embraced a more free and expressive approach to traditional Chinese painting styles. The inscription surrounding the figure likely references the poet's name and a verse of poetry. The work, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, provides insight into Japanese artistic and literary practices during the Edo period.