Sugawara Michizane Going into Exile c. 1763 - 1764

"Sugawara Michizane Going into Exile" is an ukiyo-e print by Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent artist of the Edo period (1603-1868). Created around 1763-1764, this woodblock print depicts the exiled scholar Sugawara Michizane, a renowned figure in Japanese history and literature, leaving for Kyushu in the 10th century. The composition features a dramatic landscape with a distant island, a crescent moon, and turbulent waves that suggest the harshness of Michizane's exile. The artist uses a muted color palette and delicate lines, creating a sense of serenity and melancholy. The print reflects the popular themes of ukiyo-e art, such as historical narratives, poetic beauty, and the fragility of life. This artwork is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.