Poem by Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, from the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by an Old Nurse
Medium
color woodblock print
Dimensions
25.8 × 37.8 cm
Classification
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Bequest of Edward L. Whittemore
Accession Number
1930.190
Tags
male
About this artwork
Hokusai designed this print series from the perspective of a confused nurse attempting to illustrate classical poetry, but missing the subtle allusions. This interpretation creates a comical disconnect between poem and image. The poem reads: The wild hill pheasants Drag their feet and drag their tails, Splendid though they be, Through this long, long weary night, Like me, laying here alone. Considered a god among poets, Kakinomoto no Hitomaro (about 660–739) wrote of an emotionally tiring night....