Koshikibu no Naishi (999–1025), from "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets)
Original title: Koshikibu no Naishi (999–1025), from "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets)
kurzbeschreibung
This color woodblock print from around 1768 by Suzuki Harunobu depicts two figures in a traditional Japanese interior. It belongs to the series 'Hyakunin Isshu', which gathers portraits of celebrated poets from Japanese history. The image is executed in ink and color on paper.
Description
On the right, a figure kneels in a patterned gray kimono; on the left, another stands upright in a white robe with an orange obi. Both wear hairstyles adorned with flowers. A lattice window and a door frame divide the space, while a cartouche of Japanese characters sits at the left edge. Warm oranges and grays dominate the palette, interspersed with blue and red, as light falling from above highlights faces and fabric patterns.
Context
Created in the mid-eighteenth century, Harunobu's work belongs to a period when Japanese color woodblock printing gained new momentum through multicolor printing (nishiki-e). The series 'Hyakunin Isshu' is based on a classical anthology of one hundred poems, each attributed to a named poet. Koshikibu no Naishi, a Heian-period court lady, is represented by one of these poems. Harunobu was esteemed as a master of idealized female figures and meticulous line work.
Impact
A sense of calm emanates from this everyday occurrence, and the muted colors convey intimacy and familiarity. Crisp outlines meet restrained tones, producing an atmosphere of quiet elegance characteristic of Harunobu.
Technique
Ink and color on paper, printed in the Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock method: multiple blocks were printed in succession to achieve precise contours and subtle color gradations.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)