Henjo, from the series "Six Immortal Poets (Rokkasen)"
c. 1789/90
Medium
Color woodblock print; oban
Dimensions
38.1 × 25.4 cm (15 × 10 in.)
Classification
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
77459
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Welcome visitors to the Arts of Asia gallery, where we encounter *Henjo, from the series "Six Immortal Poets (Rokkasen)"* by the esteemed ukiyo-e master Chôbunsai Eishi, created around 1789–90. This vibrant color woodblock print on oban paper (38.1 × 25.4 cm) captures Henjo, a renowned 9th-century monk-poet Japan's Heian era, one of the "Six Immortal Poets" celebrated for their timeless waka verses. Eishi, known for his refined depictions of elegant figures, immortalizes Henjo in flowing robes, evoking the poetic grace of classical literature amid the bustling print culture of Edo-period Japan. Ukiyo-e prints like this one were revolutionary, produced via intricate woodblock techniques where separate blocks were carved for each color and layer, allowing mass production of affordable art for everyday viewers. Oban size made it ideal for home display, bridging elite literary traditions with popular tastes. Eishi's subtle palette and delicate lines highlight his bijin-ga influence, blending beauty with cultural reverence. This piece underscores Japan's enduring love for its poetic heritage, reminding us how 18th-century artists like Eishi revived ancient icons to inspire a new audience. A gem from the Art Institute of Chicago's collection! (198 words)
About the Artist
Chôbunsai Eishi · 1756–1829
Chôbunsai Eishi, born Hosoda Tokitomi in 1756 to a prosperous samurai family of the Fujiwara clan in Edo, inherited a substantial stipend of 500 koku of rice annually. His grandfather had served as the shogunate's Treasury Minister, and upon his father Hosoda Tokiyuki's death in 1772, Eishi became family head while holding a position in Shogun Tokugawa Ieharu's palace from 1781. Unusually for a uk...