Imaginary Portraits of Famous Poets 1667 - 1699

Kano Shōun’s “Imaginary Portraits of Famous Poets,” a series of small paintings completed between 1667 and 1699, features a seated figure in traditional Japanese attire. The subject’s identity is unknown, but the painting likely depicts an imagined portrait of a prominent poet, reflecting the artist's fascination with literature and the cultural value placed on poetry during the Edo period in Japan. The delicate brushwork and use of muted colors, typical of Kano Shōun's style, create a sense of intimacy and elegance.