Poetess Ono-no-Komachi c. mid 17th century
kiyoharayukinobu
minneapolisinstituteofart
color-on-silk, hanging-scroll, ink
aged paper
toned paper
muted colour palette
color-on-silk
ink paper printed
white palette
japan
folk art
hanging-scroll
ink
tile art
muted colour scheme
mixed medium
watercolor
calligraphy
Kiyohara Yukinobu's "Poetess Ono-no-Komachi" is a hanging scroll painting depicting the famous Heian period poetess in a contemplative pose, draped in flowing garments. The work showcases the artist's skill in capturing subtle movements and delicate details, characteristic of the Rinpa school of Japanese painting. The image is framed by mountains in the distance, and a faint mist evokes a sense of melancholy and loneliness, reflecting Komachi's tragic legend.
Comments
Kiyohara Yukinobu was the daughter of Kusumi Morikage and the grandniece of Tan'yu_, both renowned painters of the Kano school. While Kano school artists specialized in Chinese style brushwork and subject matter, by the 17th century they were also trained in the delicate style associated with the Tosa school, whose artists focused on indigenous themes--especially portraits of Japan's "Immortal Poets." Here, Yukinobu depicts Ono-no-Komachi (834-80), one of the "Six Great Poets" of the ninth century who was also celebrated for her beauty. Using extremely fine brushwork, Yukinobu rendered Komachi in the multi-layered formal robes worn by Heian-period court women. The poem above is identified as one of Komachi's own verses: I wonder for whomthis blossoming golden lace waitson Matsuchi Mountain'He must have promisedto return in autumn.
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