Parody of Ariwara no Narihira's eastern journey

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokus's *Parody of Ariwara Narihira's Journey* (c. 1803) is a delightful color woodblock print from Japan's Edo period, capturing the artist's playful take on a legendary tale. It riffs on the Heian-era poet Ariwara no Narihira's famous journey from *The Tales of Ise*, where he embarks eastward in pursuit of love and adventure amid cherry blossoms. Hokusai already a rising star in ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), transforms this classical story into a humorous, contemporary scene, blending reverence for literary tradition with Edo-era wit. Printed as an oban surimono—a luxurious, large-format (26.2 × 39.8 cm) New Year's greeting often commissioned for private circles—this work showcases Hokusai's mastery of woodblock techniques. Vibrant colors are layered through precise carving and printing, with subtle embossing and mica for a shimmering effect, elevating it beyond mass-produced ukiyo-e. Early in his prolific career (he produced over 30,000 works), this piece hints at the innovative style that would later define icons like *The Great Wave*. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, it reflects surimono's cultural role in fostering elite connoisseurship and poetic exchange. Visitors will appreciate how Hokusai bridges ancient poetry and modern mischief, inviting us to smile at timeless themes of wanderlust and romance.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai · 1760–1849

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as one of history's most influential artists, a Japanese master who revolutionized the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and profoundly shaped Western art. Born in the Katsushika district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to an artisan family, Hokusai lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary creative evolution, adopting over thirty different artistic names t...