Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems 1847 - 1848

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print, “Ogura Imitation of the One Hundred Poems," sometime before 1865. The composition is divided into distinct zones that blend text and image, creating a multi-layered narrative space. The poem's inscription sits above a scene depicting figures in what seems to be an interior setting. The visual structure invites a semiotic reading. Note how Kunisada uses the grid pattern on the figures’ robes, the geometrical shapes, and the contrast between flat, patterned surfaces and the illusion of depth achieved through linear perspective. The combination creates a tension between surface and depth. This tension destabilizes the viewer's sense of space. Consider, too, how Kunisada uses culturally specific codes and symbols. The poem, the style of dress, and the interior decor all point to an established set of cultural meanings. Yet, the artwork also seems to disrupt these meanings, presenting a world that is both familiar and slightly askew. This constant play with established codes is part of the print's enduring appeal. It challenges us to actively engage in its interpretation.