Thirty-Six Poets

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Object Details

Artist

Sakai Hoitsu 酒井抱一 (1761-1828)

Frame maker

Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845)

Label

In the early eleventh century the poet Fujiwara no Kinto (966-1041) selected and anthologized the works of thirty-six notable poets--thirty-one men and five women--who were active in Japan from the seventh through the early eleventh century. The poetry produced by this grouping came to represent the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetic sensibility. From the thirteenth century, paintings featuring idealized images of the poets, together with texts of their representative poems, began to appear.

Hoitsu's presentation of the august assemblage is full of comic reference, reflecting an Edo-period (1615-1868) penchant for parodying staid classical subjects. Hoitsu portrays only thirty-five playfully caricatured faces and postures. The missing poet, Saigu no Nyogo, is not seen in probable deference to her imperial status; her presence behind the white curtain is presumed.

Hoitsu modeled this painting on a similar work by Ogata Korin (1658-1716). The frame surrounding the screen is signed by Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845), a lacquer artist who frequently collaborated with Hoitsu.

Collection

Freer Gallery of Art Collection

Exhibition History

Painting the Classics: Japanese Screens (November 10, 2018 to October 14, 2019)

Japanese Screens (March 2007 to January 3, 2016)

More Than Flowers: Sources of Tradition in Japanese Painting (September 2, 2001 to November 24, 2002)

Japanese Screens (May 9, 1993 to November 13, 1995)

Literary Themes in Japanese Art (February 13, 1986 to March 9, 1987)

Japanese Screens (February 11, 1983 to July 19, 1988)

Rimpa Screens (October 9, 1980 to December 21, 1981)

Japanese Lacquer (April 16, 1979 to October 8, 1980)

Japanese Art (October 2, 1975 to October 8, 1976)

Japanese Art—Painted Screens (August 18, 1967 to May 2, 1973)

Credit Line

Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

Date

early 19th century

Period

Edo period

Accession Number

F1970.22

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Painting

Medium

Ink, color, and gold on paper

Dimensions

H x W (image): 150.3 × 162.4 cm (59 3/16 × 63 15/16 in)

H x W (mount): 154.3 × 166.4 cm (60 3/4 × 65 1/2 in)

Origin

Japan

Related Online Resources

Google Arts & Culture

See more items in

National Museum of Asian Art

Data Source