Koshikibu no Naishi (999–1025), from "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets) 1758 - 1778

"Koshikibu no Naishi (999–1025), from "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets)" is a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu. This is a depiction of the famous Japanese poet Koshikibu no Naishi, who was a lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court. The print, created sometime between 1758 and 1778, shows Naishi with a man outside a building, likely her lover. The print’s color scheme of soft browns and yellows conveys the feeling of an intimate and delicate moment. The image's composition places the viewer in the position of an observer witnessing the scene, which is a characteristic of Japanese art. This ukiyo-e print, which translates to "pictures of the floating world," highlights the themes of beauty, romance, and elegance that were prevalent in Edo-period Japanese culture. The signature of Harunobu in the lower right-hand corner denotes the artist's creative hand in creating the evocative imagery of this iconic artwork.