Artwork

八島岳亭画『和歌三神』衣通姫|Sotoori-hime (early 5th century), One of the Three Gods of PoetryFrom the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1

八島岳亭画『和歌三神』衣通姫|Sotoori-hime (early 5th century), 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.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1824, this surimono woodblock print by Yashima Gakutei portrays Sotoori-hime, a legendary figure linked to early fifth‑century Japanese poetry. Executed in ink and color on paper, the image forms part of the Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), a series of privately circulated prints.

Subject & Meaning

Sotoori-hime is presented as one of the three divine patrons of poetry, a motif drawn from classical Japanese myth. The accompanying Japanese verses reinforce her association with poetic inspiration, indicating the print’s function as a visual complement to literary exchange among connoisseurs.

Technique & Style

The work exemplifies the surimono tradition, employing fine carving and multiple color applications to render a flowing red kimono patterned with blue‑green motifs. Gakutei’s handling of line and brush‑like ink strokes, combined with the delicate fan and stylized hair, reflects his training under Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai.

History & Provenance

Yashima Gakutei (c. 1786–1868), a noted poet‑artist, produced this piece for limited distribution among a circle of poetry enthusiasts. The print was originally issued as part of a private collection, typical of surimono, and later entered museum holdings through acquisition from a private collector.

Context

Surimono prints of the early nineteenth century often served as collaborative objects linking visual art and kyōka poetry. Gakutei’s involvement in both disciplines allowed him to create works that functioned as cultural tokens within the literati networks of Edo‑period Japan.

Artist & collection

Artist

Yashima Gakutei

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.