The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals
The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals are famous poets, including five women, featured in an anthology compiled by Fujiwara no Kintō (966–1041) in the early eleventh century. Throughout medieval times these celebrated figures—whose periods of activity ranged from the seventh century to Kintō’s day—were often depicted in hand-scroll format. Imaginary portraits of the poets were accompanied by one or more of their most famous poems, generally the ones originally selected by Kintō.
The painter and calligrapher Sakai Hōitsu notes in the colophon that this work was a tracing copy of a handscroll believed to have been illustrated and transcribed by celebrated medieval monk-poet Saigyō (1118–1190). Hōitsu did his best to emulate the precious poetry scroll, going so far as to mimic wormholes and other damage to the original.
The painter and calligrapher Sakai Hōitsu notes in the colophon that this work was a tracing copy of a handscroll believed to have been illustrated and transcribed by celebrated medieval monk-poet Saigyō (1118–1190). Hōitsu did his best to emulate the precious poetry scroll, going so far as to mimic wormholes and other damage to the original.
Artwork Details
- 酒井抱一筆 三十六歌仙図
- Title: The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals
- Artist: Sakai Hōitsu (Japanese, 1761–1828)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 1824
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Handscroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Overall with mounting: 11 5/8 × 27 ft. 1 13/16 in. (29.5 × 827.6 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.300.94
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Sakai Hōitsu
18th century
Sakai Hōitsu
1761–1828
Sakai Hōitsu
Sakai Hōitsu
early 19th century
Sakai Hōitsu
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