The Poet Sugawara no Michizane Riding an Ox c. 1764

Torii Kiyomitsu created this woodblock print titled "The Poet Sugawara no Michizane Riding an Ox" in 18th century Japan. It depicts Sugawara no Michizane, a Heian period scholar, poet, and politician, who was later deified as Tenjin, the god of learning. Kiyomitsu’s print highlights themes of exile and resilience. Michizane was banished from the capital due to political machinations. The image of him riding an ox, a humble vehicle, underscores his fall from grace, yet it also speaks to his enduring spirit. He is often depicted with a plum tree, which became a symbol of his perseverance and is a subtle reminder of his connection to nature and poetry. The composition balances Michizane’s personal plight with broader cultural ideals of perseverance and scholarly integrity. Consider how Kiyomitsu’s artistic choices—the delicate lines, muted colors, and symbolic elements—shape our understanding of Michizane's story. It serves as a poignant reflection on the intersection of personal adversity and cultural identity.