Narihira at Yatsuhashi Bridge
1765
Medium
Color woodblock print
Dimensions
21.5 × 22 cm (8 7/16 × 8 5/8 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
21098
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This print depicts an episode from the Tales of Ise, in which the poet Narihira comes to a bridge where groups of irises are in bloom. The short months of the year 1765 are visible in the outlines of his robe and in the medallions on his trousers. The colors in this print have remained remarkably fresh compared to other prints of the time, most of which exhibit faded colors.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...