Title : Sutoku-in

Artist : Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Date : c. 1840

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : The text located in the small frame at the top right of the print explains the meaning of the poem. It is from the imperial anthology Shikashü, which was compiled by order of Retired Emperor Sutoku(1119-64). It explains the image of the boulder standing in the rapids. Hence the water is divided, but meets again. The meaning of the poem thus lies in the sorrow of even transient separation for lovers. In the print the emperor stands on a boulder that rises from turbulent rapids. Powerful emotions of separation and longing are intensified by the dark tones of water and sky, the wind blowing against the emperor’s garment and hair, and a flash of lightning. The blue skin tone of the emperor’s face is reminiscent of makeup worn by kabuki actors who portray ghosts, adding to the supernatural aura. The emperor’s disheveled appearance suggests an anger bordering on madness. The desolate and unsettled imagery suggests the historical circumstances of Emperor Sutoku’s abdication and exile. It has been suggested that the poem may be interpreted as the abdicated emperor’s desire to regain the throne. (from “100 Poems, One Poem Each” exhibition, 1/18/2005-)

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