Poem by Henjō Sojō 1756 - 1776

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print titled "Poem by Henjō Sojō" in Japan. It captures the essence of daily life while subtly referencing classical poetry, a common theme in the ukiyo-e genre. Created during the Edo period, this print reflects the era’s evolving social dynamics, with the merchant class gaining influence and driving demand for art that celebrated urban life and culture. Harunobu’s work often featured idealized images of women, reflecting the male gaze and the era's social expectations. This print’s allusion to Henjō Sojō’s poem adds a layer of sophistication, appealing to the educated elite while remaining accessible to a broader audience. To fully understand this print, we can explore the social and economic conditions of Edo-period Japan through historical documents, literature, and studies of ukiyo-e art. This way we can reveal the complex interplay of art, society, and culture.