Description:
nishiki-e; bijinga
Label Text:
The title of the print series is at upper-right within the black cartouche. Immediately to the left is an inscription identifying the poet Ono no Komachi (ca. 825–900), a female poet of the Heian era whose name "Komachi" is now synonymous with great beauty. She is also included amongst the 36 Immortal Poets. The artist's signature is printed vertically descending in black to the left of the courtesan "Kiyonaga ga" ('drawn by Kiyonaga') with the publisher's seal at lower-left within the black plant pot. Neither of the courtesans depicted is meant to be Ono no Komachi, who is always depicted in Heian-era dress and makeup. Rather, her poem, along the top of the print, has been placed alongside a scene from the pleasure districts of Edo. Ono no Komachi is known for her poetry about solitude and passionate love, themes not foreign to the brothels of the Yoshiwara.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+2005.212 |
