Onono Komachi|Parrot Komachi

Art Historical Context

**Onono Komachi (Parrot Komachi)***Chōbunsai Eishi, ca. 1788* This woodblock print by Chōbunsai Eishi captures the timeless beauty of Ono no Kom, a legendary 9th-century Japanese poetess renowned for her waka poetry and ethereal allure. Known as one of the "Six Poetic Immortals," Komachi inspired countless Edo-period depictions, often romanticized as both a muse and a figure of poignant transience. Eishi, a master of the ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") school, specializes in *bijin-ga*—elegant portrayals of women—infusing this scene with graceful poise amid rolling hills, evoking nature's harmony with human elegance. Crafted during Japan's vibrant Edo period (1615–1868), the print employs the intricate *nishiki-e* technique, layering vibrant inks and colors on paper through multiple carved woodblocks. Measuring 14 5/8 x 9 7/8 inches, its intimate scale suited urban collectors savoring fleeting pleasures. The "Parrot Komachi" title hints at folklore linking her to a parrot companion, symbolizing wit and melancholy. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this piece from the Henry L. Phillips bequest exemplifies ukiyo-e's cultural role in democratizing art, blending poetry, beauty, and impermanence for everyday delight.

About the Artist

Chōbunsai Eishi · 1756–1829

Japanese, 1756–1829