Thirty-Six Poets

Object Details

• Artist

  Sakai Hoitsu 酒井抱一 (1761-1828)

• Frame maker

  Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845)

• Label

  In the early eleventh century the poet Fujiwara no Kinto (966-1041) selected and anthologized the works of thirty-six notable poets--thirty-one men and five women--who were active in Japan from the seventh through the early eleventh century. The poetry produced by this grouping came to represent the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetic sensibility. From the thirteenth century, paintings featuring idealized images of the poets, together with texts of their representative poems, began to appear.

  Hoitsu's presentation of the august assemblage is full of comic reference, reflecting an Edo-period (1615-1868) penchant for parodying staid classical subjects. Hoitsu portrays only thirty-five playfully caricatured faces and postures. The missing poet, Saigu no Nyogo, is not seen in probable deference to her imperial status; her presence behind the white curtain is presumed.

  Hoitsu modeled this painting on a similar work by Ogata Korin (1658-1716). The frame surrounding the screen is signed by Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845), a lacquer artist who frequently collaborated with Hoitsu.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Painting the Classics: Japanese Screens (November 10, 2018 to October 14, 2019)

  Japanese Screens (March 2007 to January 3, 2016)

  More Than Flowers: Sources of Tradition in Japanese Painting (September 2, 2001 to November 24, 2002)

  Japanese Screens (May 9, 1993 to November 13, 1995)

  Literary Themes in Japanese Art (February 13, 1986 to March 9, 1987)

  Japanese Screens (February 11, 1983 to July 19, 1988)

  Rimpa Screens (October 9, 1980 to December 21, 1981)

  Japanese Lacquer (April 16, 1979 to October 8, 1980)

  Japanese Art (October 2, 1975 to October 8, 1976)

  Japanese Art—Painted Screens (August 18, 1967 to May 2, 1973)

• Origin

  Japan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Painting

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1700s, 1710s, 1720s, 1900s, 1770s, 1780s, 1790s, 1730s, 1740s, 1750s, 1760s, 1800s, 1810s, 1820s, 1830s, 1610s, 1650s, 1640s, 1630s, 1620s, 1690s, 1840s, 1680s, 1850s, 1670s, 1860s, 1660s

• Name

  Sakai, Hoitsu, Hara, Yoyusai

• Place

  Japan

• Topic

  Art, Edo period, Japan, (1600 - 1868), Japanese Art, Poets

• Culture

  Japanese

• Object Type

  Paintings