Poem by Kakinomoto Hitomaro c. 1767 - 1768
suzukiharunobulingmuchunxin
minneapolisinstituteofart
print, ink
asian-art
landscape
caricature
ukiyo-e
ink
genre-painting
This woodblock print, titled "Poem by Kakinomoto Hitomaro", was created by Suzuki Harunobu between 1767 and 1768. The work features two elegantly dressed women in an interior setting, one seated with a tray of food presented to her by the other standing woman. The view outside a window displays a sunset over a tranquil landscape, highlighting the peaceful ambiance of the scene. Harunobu's artwork exemplifies the "ukiyo-e" style, capturing the beauty and sophistication of everyday life in Edo-period Japan.
Comments
Kakinomoto Hitomaro (d. 708) is venerated by the Japanese as one of their earliest poets. His poem, inscribed in this image, is taken from the anthology Kokin wakashū (Collection of Japanese Poems of Ancient and Modern Times), from around the year 905: Into the mist, glowing with dawnacross the Bay of Akashia boat carries my thoughtsinto hidingislands beyond—trans. Lewis Cook Harunobu alludes to Hitomaro’s poem by depicting a young woman lost in thought, looking out a window toward the distant boats.
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