Artwork

百人一首乳母か縁説在原業平|Poem by Ariwara no Narihira, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki)

百人一首乳母か縁説在原業平|Poem by Ariwara no Narihira, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hokusai’s composition teems with figures engaged in routine activities, reflecting the series’ aim to ground poetic tradition in observable life.

This woodblock print is part of Katsushika Hokusai’s 1839 series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse, which pairs classical waka poetry with everyday scenes. The image captures a moment on a bustling river bridge, rendered in ink and color on paper. Hokusai’s composition teems with figures engaged in routine activities, reflecting the series’ aim to ground poetic tradition in observable life. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this example among its Japanese print collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a verse by Ariwara no Narihira, one of the poets in the Hyakunin isshu anthology. A woman in a red skirt assists a person who has fallen into the water beneath the bridge, suggesting a narrative of compassion amid daily chaos. The inclusion of the poem’s theme—often tied to impermanence or human connection—transforms the ordinary into a quiet moral moment, aligning visual detail with literary resonance.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs fine linear detail and layered washes to convey texture and depth. Cross-hatching defines folds of clothing and the structure of the bridge, while muted blues, greens, and browns create a subdued autumnal palette. The crowded composition, with figures of varying scale and orientation, demonstrates his skill in organizing complex spatial relationships without clutter. The print’s precision reflects ukiyo-e conventions refined through decades of woodblock craftsmanship.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1839 during Hokusai’s late career, this print was part of a commercially successful series commissioned to make classical poetry accessible to a broader public. The publisher likely intended it as an educational tool, blending literacy with visual culture. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through established acquisition channels in the 20th century, preserving its role as a cultural artifact of Edo-period printmaking.

Context

The Hyakunin isshu anthology, compiled in the 13th century, remained a staple of Japanese education and leisure. By the 19th century, illustrated versions like Hokusai’s were popular among townspeople seeking cultural refinement. The nurse narrator, a fictional guide, frames each poem with relatable domestic scenes, bridging aristocratic verse and urban life. This print reflects a broader trend of democratizing classical literature through accessible visual media.

Legacy

Hokusai’s series contributed to the enduring popularity of the Hyakunin isshu in modern Japan, influencing later illustrators and educators. Its integration of poetry and genre scenes set a precedent for visual storytelling in print culture. While not as widely recognized as his landscapes, this work exemplifies his versatility and deep engagement with literary tradition, securing its place in the history of Japanese printmaking.