Who painted The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair)?

The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair) was painted by Itō Jakuchū in 1800.

Where can I see The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair)?

The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair) is held by Denver Art Museum.

What movement is The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair)?

The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair) is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Artwork

The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair)

Itō Jakuchū , 1800

The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair) is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Itō Jakuchū. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Denver Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work titled The Thirty‑Six Immortal Poets (1 of a pair) is a painted composition executed in the year 1800 by the Japanese artist Itō Jakuchū. It forms one half of a complementary duo and is presently part of the collection of the Denver Art Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the celebrated group of thirty‑six poets revered in classical Chinese literary tradition, a theme that resonated with Edo‑period scholars and artists. By portraying these figures, Jakuchū aligns his visual practice with the intellectual reverence for poetry and its moral exemplars.

Technique & Style

Created during the late Edo period, the piece reflects Jakuchū’s meticulous brushwork and vibrant coloration, hallmarks of his approach to narrative subjects. The composition balances detailed portraiture with decorative elements, illustrating the artist’s synthesis of realism and decorative abstraction.

History & Provenance

After its completion in 1800, the painting remained in Japan before entering the international market in the 20th century. It was acquired by the Denver Art Museum, where it now resides alongside its companion piece, completing the original pair.

Context

Jakuchū produced this work at a time when Japanese painters increasingly engaged with Chinese literary motifs, integrating them into visual art. The choice of the thirty‑six immortal poets reflects broader cultural exchanges between Japan and China during the Edo era.