Who painted The Six Poetic Immortals?

The Six Poetic Immortals was painted by Kubo Shunman in 1810-01-01.

Where can I see The Six Poetic Immortals?

The Six Poetic Immortals is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is The Six Poetic Immortals?

The Six Poetic Immortals is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Artwork

The Six Poetic Immortals

Kubo Shunman , 1810

The Six Poetic Immortals is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Kubo Shunman. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a gathering of individuals, presented in a serene setting, with a significant portion of the composition dedicated to calligraphic text.

This painting, titled The Six Poetic Immortals, was created by Kubo Shunman in 1810. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts a gathering of individuals, presented in a serene setting, with a significant portion of the composition dedicated to calligraphic text.

While the title refers to six figures, the visual composition features five, suggesting a nuanced interpretation of its poetic theme.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents five figures, four men and one woman, seated or kneeling within a simple, uncluttered space. The woman, holding a fan, sits on a cushion, while the men wear distinct robes and hats. Above this tranquil assembly, a substantial section of Japanese writing, framed by decorative blue and gold borders, dominates the upper half.

This prominent text, alongside the title, indicates a strong connection to traditional Japanese poetry or literary figures, inviting contemplation of their quiet gathering.

Technique & Style

Kubo Shunman rendered the figures with a sense of calm and gentle spacing, contributing to the overall quiet atmosphere of the scene. The artist utilized a light-colored background, allowing the varied attire of the individuals to stand out without distraction. The inclusion of a large, framed calligraphic section above the figures integrates text directly into the visual composition, a common practice in East Asian art that merges literary and pictorial elements.