Artwork
『和歌三神』 柿本人麻呂|Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 662–710), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
『和歌三神』 柿本人麻呂|Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (ca. 662–710), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1 is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This woodblock print, created around 1824, is part of the Spring Rain Collection.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created around 1824, is part of the Spring Rain Collection. It depicts Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, a poet from the late 7th to early 8th century, and is the work of Yashima Gakutei, a Japanese artist known for his surimono prints and kyōka poetry.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, one of the Three Gods of Poetry, sitting cross-legged on the floor, lost in thought. He is dressed in traditional attire, with a white robe featuring brown circles and a red sash, and holds an object that may be a book or scroll.
Technique & Style
The image is characterized by bold lines and vibrant colors, achieved through the use of ink and color on paper. The contrast between red and black ink adds depth to the composition, reflecting the refined visual themes typical of Gakutei's surimono prints.
History & Provenance
The print is the work of Yashima Gakutei, a pupil of Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai, and is now held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
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「一陽連文房四友 硯 伯英」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the “Sage of Cursive Script”); “Inkstone” (Suzuri), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū) From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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Osaka Tenmangu sairei no zu|The Tenmangu Festival at Osaka
「一陽連文房四友 筆 道風」『春雨集』 摺物帖|The Heian Court Calligrapher Ono no Tōfū (894–966); “Calligraphy Brush” (Fude), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
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「一陽連文房四友 紙 女凢」『春雨集』 摺物帖 |Nuji (Japanese: Joki; female attendant who compiled writings by Daoist sages); “Paper” (Kami), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyō Poetry Circle (Ichiyō-ren Bunbō shiyū)From the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1
藤原清忠 「業兼本 時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡|The Poet Fujiwara Kiyotada, from the “Narikane Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals
Portrait of Sen no Rikyū with his Death Poem
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清原元輔 「為重本 時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡 |The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki)
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Monk Raisan
Portrait of Hojo Ujinaga
Portrait of Samurai-Official: Hirai KyoseiHirai Kyosei