Poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro Preparing to Inscribe Poem Card (Shikishi): Japanese Court Poetry (Waka), from the series Four Styles of Poetry for the Master Character 'No' (Nonoji-ō shiika renpai) c. 1817

Curator: Yashima Gakutei, who lived from 1786 to 1868, created this print called "Poet Kakinomoto no Hitomaro Preparing to Inscribe Poem Card". It is part of a series connecting poetry styles to the character "No". Editor: There's such quietude here; the artist captures Hitomaro in a moment of poised reflection before the act of creation. Curator: Absolutely. Yashima is portraying Hitomaro, a celebrated poet, in the act of transcribing a waka poem onto a shikishi, a poem card. Note the meticulous detail in the inkstone and brush. These tools are vital to the creative process. Editor: And there's a delicate balance here. The poem inscribed on the left complements the poet’s posture, as if to say that writing is also choreography. It all flows together! Curator: Agreed! The print subtly highlights how artistic processes are as culturally important as finished artworks. Editor: It's a humble picture, but in observing the artist’s interpretation of Hitomaro, a sense of respect is established. It’s a very clever approach.