"At the Edge of the River Akutagawa" from the Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari) 1681 - 1703

This 17th-century Japanese woodblock print depicts a scene from "Tales of Ise", a classic collection of romantic tales. Created by Sugimura Jihei, the print shows a couple, likely a noblewoman and her lover, engaging in a romantic encounter in the shadow of a willow tree by the River Akutagawa. The use of simple black ink on a light brown paper allows for a stark and poetic rendering of the scene, emphasizing the melancholic nature of the lovers' meeting. The composition is further enhanced by the inclusion of clouds and a flowing river, suggesting the transience of their moment together. The print is a testament to Jihei's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, capturing the essence of a fleeting moment in Japanese literature and history.