Who painted Lady Ise by the Riverbank?

Lady Ise by the Riverbank was painted by Nishikawa Sukenobu in 1783-01-01.

Where can I see Lady Ise by the Riverbank?

Lady Ise by the Riverbank is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Lady Ise by the Riverbank?

Lady Ise by the Riverbank is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Lady Ise by the Riverbank?

Museum-quality prints of Lady Ise by the Riverbank are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lady Ise by the Riverbank

Nishikawa Sukenobu

Lady Ise by the Riverbank is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Nishikawa Sukenobu. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

She is shown positioned by a riverbank, a setting that underscores themes of nature and transience often linked to courtly elegance in Heian-period aesthetics.

The painting depicts a woman identified as Lady Ise, a figure associated with classical Japanese literature and poetry. She is shown positioned by a riverbank, a setting that underscores themes of nature and transience often linked to courtly elegance in Heian-period aesthetics. The composition emphasizes refined attire and poised demeanor, aligning with the cultural ideal of feminine grace and poetic sensitivity.

In the context of ukiyo-e, such imagery evokes the interplay between literary tradition and visual representation, reflecting the period’s admiration for classical narratives and seasonal beauty.

History & Provenance

The painting Lady Ise by the Riverbank was created by the Japanese artist Nishikawa Sukenobu in 1783, as indicated by the artist’s signature and date on the work.

The painting entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently held. Its provenance prior to the museum’s acquisition is not documented in the available sources.

The painting Lady Ise by the Riverbank by Nishikawa Sukenobu, created in 1783, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work depicts a woman and was made in Japan. While the entity is cataloged within the museum's holdings, the provided sources do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for this piece. Furthermore, no specific exhibition history or past display dates are recorded in the available documentation.

Overview

Lady Ise by the Riverbank, painted by Nishikawa Sukenobu in 1792, is an ink and color work on paper now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition presents a solitary female figure kneeling beside a river, her posture suggesting a moment of pause or contemplation.

Technique & Style

Sukenobu employs delicate brushwork to render the folds of the garment and the surrounding reeds, combining subtle washes of color with fine ink lines. The palette of muted blues and reds creates a harmonious balance, characteristic of late‑eighteenth‑century ukiyo‑e portraiture.

Context

Nishikawa Sukenobu was known for his depictions of everyday life and literary subjects. This work reflects the period’s interest in portraying refined, introspective moments drawn from classical poetry, aligning with the broader cultural practice of integrating text and image in Japanese visual art.