Palindromic Poems (Kaibunka): Kyo 1758 - 1778

"Palindromic Poems: Kyo" is a woodblock print created by Suzuki Harunobu in Japan. The print is divided into three panels, each depicting a woman in elegant robes within a domestic setting. Notice the composition; each panel presents a similar scene, yet subtle variations in posture and setting create a sense of rhythm across the work. The artist employs soft, muted colors and delicate lines, conveying a sense of refinement and grace. This emphasis on form invites us to explore how the work destabilizes traditional notions of representation, as it blends the boundaries between visual art and poetry. The poems above each figure, meant to be read forward and backward, reflect this structure. The print’s appeal lies not just in its aesthetic beauty but also in its clever subversion of conventional forms, challenging us to question fixed meanings and embrace the fluidity of interpretation.