The Six Classical Poets 1798

This woodblock print, made by Katsushika Hokusai, presents us with the ‘Six Classical Poets,’ figures of enduring cultural significance in Japan. The arrangement of these figures speaks volumes, each pose and garment hinting at their historical roles and the reverence they command. Notice the recurring motif of the fan, an object that transcends mere utility. It appears in the hands of several poets, acting as a shield, a canvas for poetry, and a symbol of status. From antiquity through the Renaissance, and even into modern times, the fan has been employed to convey subtle social cues. Like the scepter or the laurel wreath, the fan here signifies the poet’s refined sensibilities. These poets remind us that cultural memory is a palimpsest, always being rewritten and reinterpreted across generations. These images are not static; they evolve and take on new meanings as they are transmitted through time, shaped by our collective desires and anxieties.