Poem by Sakanoue no Korenori, from an untitled series of Thirty-Six Immortal Poets

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of Edo-period Japan Suzuki Harunobu's *Poem by Sakanoue Korenori*, from an untitled series of *Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (c. 1767/68). Harunobu, a master of ukiyo-e "pictures of the floating world"—captured the essence of classical Japanese poetry through vivid imagery. This print honors Sakanoue no Kori, a 10th-century waka poet from the revered *Sanju-rokkasen* anthology, which celebrates36 timeless literary figures. Such series bridged ancient Heian-era traditions with 18th-century popular culture, making elite poetry accessible to everyday viewers. Crafted as a color woodblock print in the compact chuban format (28.5 × 21.3 cm), this work showcases Harunobu's pioneering *nishiki-e* technique—full-color printing with multiple woodblocks for subtle gradients and delicate hues. Around 1765–68, Harunobu revolutionized ukiyo-e by introducing these multicolored prints, moving beyond monochrome to evoke beauty, nature, and human emotion. Held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, it exemplifies how woodblock prints democratized art during Japan's vibrant urban era. Imagine a visitor in 1760s Edo savoring this intimate scene: a visual poem blending timeless verse with Harunobu's graceful figures and seasonal motifs. These prints not only preserved cultural heritage but also fueled the ukiyo-e boom, influencing global art for centuries.

About the Artist

Suzuki Harunobu · 1725–1770

Suzuki Harunobu (c. 1725-1770) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist who revolutionized woodblock printing by developing nishiki-e—full-color prints using multiple woodblocks—in 1765. Before Harunobu, Japanese prints were limited to two or three colors; his innovation unleashed the entire artist's palette, transforming ukiyo-e into the vibrant art form that would later captivate Western artists from Manet...