Ōtomo no Kuronushi c. 1830s

This is Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print of Ōtomo no Kuronushi. Hiroshige created it in a Japan marked by social hierarchy, where class and historical narratives intertwined deeply with artistic expression. Here, we see Kuronushi, a figure from the classical poetry anthology, the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. He's often depicted as lower-class and of dubious character. Hiroshige challenges the traditional representations, portraying Kuronushi with a sense of dignity. Look at his confident posture, in contrast to the snide poetry written about him. This print operates within a complex cultural context, reflecting both reverence for classical literature and a subtle commentary on social biases. How does Hiroshige use his art to question established perceptions? The emotional depth of this piece lies in its ability to humanize a figure often relegated to the margins of history.