Saigyo Hoshi c. 1730s

Okumura Masanobu’s woodblock print, “Saigyo Hoshi,” depicts the renowned Japanese poet and monk, Saigyo, gazing up at a setting sun behind a mountain. The artist uses fine lines and delicate shading to create a sense of tranquility and serenity, capturing Saigyo’s contemplative nature. Saigyo was a renowned figure in Japanese history, known for his poetic works that expressed a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. Masanobu, a prominent artist of the Edo period, captures Saigyo’s spiritual journey through this striking depiction of his contemplative moment.