The Poetess Izumi Shikibu

Catalog note / 解説

This print was conserved with the support of the Robert F. Lange Foundation. The print was first published in an album entitled Nishikizuri onna sanjürokkasen (The Thirty-six Immortal Women Poets in Color Prints), an idea inspired by the original selection of thirty-six immortal poets made by the courtier Fujiwara Kintö (966-1041). Each print shows a poetess on the left and her poem reproduced in calligraphy on the right. All prints in the album were designed by Chöbunsai Eishi, who created a number of them with literary themes. His style was elegant, often featuring women in graceful poses. This beautiful print depicts the renowned poetess Izumi Shikibu (ca. 970-ca. 1036). Wearing a twelve…