When only eleven years old, Michizane composed his first poem in Chinese. The plum blossom was Michizane's favorite flower, and he would often write about its fragile petals and delicate fragrance. Here the artist has depicted the young poet...
women; kimonos; trees; flowers (plants); bamboo; bridges (built works); built works
The famous poet Ki no Tsuruyuki (died 945) had an old plum tree, a family treasure, in his garden on the outskirts of Kyoto / Rakugai. When Emperor Murakami needed to replace a red plum at the palace, he sent his gardeners to take the Ki's tree,...
Narrative; trees; flower (plant material); kimonos; religious symbolism; knives; cuckoos and allies
In the moment before Umegae's death, a cuckoo catches Dainin's attention and perhaps causes him to reflect upon the transience of life. The budding plum tree and the plum flower pattern in Umegae's kimono refer to her name and possible rebirth...
depictions; men (male humans); women; kimonos; trees; riverbanks; birds (animals)
In the moment before Umegae's death, a cuckoo catches Dainin's attention and perhaps causes him to reflect upon the transience of life. The budding plum tree and the plum flower pattern in Umegae's kimono refer to her name and possible rebirth...
A bride is being escorted to her wedding accompanied by several married women. They are passing a table with an arrangement of auspicious figurines and floral elements. Two figurines are Jo and Uba, an elderly couple who symbolize longevity and...
fans (costume accessories); women; kimonos; snow (precipitation); trees; blinds (coverings); tables (support furniture); built works
The 10-11th century poet Sei Shonagon was invited to join the Imperial Court to enhance the literary atmosphere around Empress Teishi's entourage. Sei was known for her quick wit and critical eye, and compiled a "Pillowbook / Makura no Soshi" of...
women; children (people by age group); kimonos; trees; shrines (structures); men (male humans)
A mother and daughter join others in a pilgrimage on New Year's Day to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in the auspicious directions from where they live, in order to obtain good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The hall at left is...
At New Year's playing with silk thread balls / itomari was popular among girls and women. Such hand balls / temari were filled with natural sponges for bouncing or with cloth or hair if used for rolling, tossing or just decoration. Here two older...
women; children (people by age group); kimonos; hairstyles; trees; flowers (plants); sandals; shrines (structures)
The Shinto Shrine at Kameido is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, also known as Kitano Tenjin, who had a great love of plum blossoms, so the grounds are noted for their early spring flowers (a branch of which juts into the composition and extends...
On the first morning of the new year, a special spiced wine or otosu is drunk before breakfast and thought to bring good health throughout the coming year. Usually the youngest member of the family or group is served first, and in Chikanobu's...
banners; parasols; flowers (plants); baskets; women; men (male humans); kimonos; processions; floats (vehicles); Built complexes and districts
This set of small deluxe prints revisited many of the subjects and themes Chikanobu had depicted in earlier and larger formats. But where the "Chiyoda Inner Palace" or Chiyoda Ooku series of triptychs portrayed the shogun's private quarters where...
women; children (people by age group); kimonos; candles; candleholders; fusuma
During the Setsubun / "Change of Season" festival held at the end of winter by the lunar calendar, mame-maki / "bean throwing" is accompanied by shouts of "Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto" / "Good fortune in, demons out!" The beans are usually thrown out...
