Title : Narihira in Self Exile

Artist : Utagawa Hiroshige

Date : c. 1843 - 1847

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : This print was conserved with the support of the Robert F. Lange Foundation. This double print portrays a scene from episode nine of the Tales of Ise, a text attributed to the ninth-century poet Ariwara no Narihira (825-880), who was notorious for numerous love affairs and renowned for composing beautiful romantic poems. The print depicts Narihira going into exile in remote eastern Japan after his illicit affair with Fujiwara Köshi (842-910), a lady who had been betrothed to Emperor Seiwa (850-880). The tale expresses Narihira's sorrow and attachment to his lost love. Most famous for his landscapes, in this print Hiroshige focuses on Narihira, who was a popular subject in Japanese woodblock prints. He is portrayed with an entourage, clearly emphasizing the high status of courtiers who, even if punished and humiliated by exile, never traveled alone. The upper part of the print depicting Mount Fuji balances the images that fill the lower section. Hiroshige faithfully follows the description of the scene in the Tales of Ise, which mentions Mount Fuji covered with pure snow.

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