The poet Ariwara No Narihira 1830

This woodblock print of the poet Ariwara No Narihira was created by Utagawa Hiroshige in 19th century Japan. Hiroshige was a master of ukiyo-e prints, a genre that flourished during the Edo period. This print references both classical literature and contemporary culture. Ariwara No Narihira was a famous Heian-era poet and courtier, a figure of refined elegance. Hiroshige updates this classical subject within the context of the burgeoning urban culture of Edo, modern-day Tokyo. The print takes the shape of an open fan, an artifact that was becoming increasingly popular at the time. By combining classical themes and imagery with references to contemporary society, the artist blurs the boundaries between high and low art, tradition and modernity. To fully understand the print's nuances, we need to delve into the historical context. By exploring sources such as literary texts, social histories, and studies of the art market, we can discover the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple image.