The Poet Ariwara no Narihira on the bank of the Sumida River c. 1764

"The Poet Ariwara no Narihira on the bank of the Sumida River" is a woodblock print created by Torii Kiyomitsu in 1764. The print depicts the famous poet Ariwara no Narihira, a prominent figure in Heian period Japanese literature, standing on the bank of the Sumida River. Surrounded by a serene landscape, the composition features a small, traditional Japanese house, a willow tree, and a lone pine, providing a sense of tranquility and nature's beauty. The print showcases Kiyomitsu's signature style, known for its vibrant colors and delicate details. The work is a classic example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period. It was collected and preserved by the Art Institute of Chicago and measures approximately 12 1/2 x 5 5/8 inches.