The Poetess Michitsuna no Haha, from the series "The Thirty-six Immortal Women Poets (Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen)"

About this artwork

This poem is in the calligraphy of Toyota Ito, age 10, the elder sister of Toyota Mine, who recorded the previous poem. Have we come to the end? If you appeared, even in reflection, That is what I would ask. But on the pool of remembrance How the water-weed has grown! (Translation by Andrew J. Pekarik)

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of Edo-period Japan with *The Poetess Michitsuna Haha*, a stunning page from Chôbunsai Eishi's series *The Thirty-six Immortal Poets (Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen)*, created in 1801 This color woodblock print, measuring 24.7 × 18.5 cm, the renowned Heian-era poetess—known as "Michitsuna's Motherin a moment of refined poise, embodying the timeless grace of classical Japanese literature. Eishi, a master of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), specialized in bijin-ga, or depictions of beautiful women, blending delicate lines with vibrant hues achieved through the intricate *nishikizuri* (brocade picture) technique. Multiple woodblocks were meticulously carved and layered to produce rich, embroidered-like colors on washi paper, making these prints both affordable art and collector's treasures during the prosperous Edo period (1615–1868). This series celebrates the *hyakunin isshu* tradition of immortal poets, spotlighting female voices like Michitsuna no Haha, whose waka verses on love and longing influenced generations. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, it highlights how ukiyo-e bridged poetry and visual culture, inviting viewers to ponder the enduring legacy of women's literary genius in Japanese history.

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...