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清原元輔 「為重本 時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡 |The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki)

清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki), ink, 1416
清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki), ink, 1416

清原元輔 「為重本 時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡 |The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki) is an ink painting. It dates from 1416 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This artwork presents a depiction of Kiyohara Motosuke, a celebrated figure among Japan's "Thirty-six Poetic Immortals.

About this work

Technique & Style

This work is a detached fragment (dan-kan) from a handscroll remounted as a hanging scroll, executed in ink and color on paper.

This work is a detached fragment (dan-kan) from a handscroll remounted as a hanging scroll, executed in ink and color on paper. The original Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki was produced in 1416, and the surviving fragment preserves the format of a portrait painting within that narrative handscroll tradition.

Stylistically, the fragment belongs to the pictorial conventions of the Tameshige version of the Thirty-six Poetic Immortals, presenting the subject as a seated poet rendered in ink and color on a paper support. The painter of the original set is not identified, and the sources provide no further detail on brush technique, pigment, paper type, mounting, or present condition.

History & Provenance

The fragment depicting the poet Kiyohara Motosuke is dated to 1416. Created in Japan, the work is attributed to an anonymous painter rather than a specific named artist. It originally existed as a section of a handscroll known as the "Tameshige Version" of the Thirty-six Poetic Immortals before being remounted as a hanging scroll. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The handscroll fragment is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum’s collection records identify the work as part of its Japanese painting holdings, though the precise accession or inventory number is not listed in the available documentation. No exhibition history is documented in the sources consulted.

Overview

This artwork presents a depiction of Kiyohara Motosuke, a celebrated figure among Japan's "Thirty-six Poetic Immortals." Originally a segment of the "Tameshige Version" of a larger handscroll, this piece is now presented as a hanging scroll. Executed with ink and color on paper, it portrays the poet in traditional attire, captured in a moment of quiet reflection, underscoring the profound value placed on poetic expression in Japanese culture.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on Kiyohara Motosuke, one of the revered "Thirty-six Poetic Immortals," a group of eminent Japanese poets whose works were compiled and celebrated. Such series underscore the significant cultural importance of poetry in Japan, elevating its practitioners to an almost mythical status. Motosuke is shown seated, his posture and expression conveying deep contemplation, perhaps indicative of the internal process of poetic composition or the profound impact of his verses.

藤原清忠　「業兼本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡|The Poet Fujiwara Kiyotada, from the “Narikane Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals
藤原清忠　「業兼本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡|The Poet Fujiwara Kiyotada, from the “Narikane Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals

Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I see 清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki)?

清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki)?

清原元輔 「為重本　時代不同歌合絵巻」 断簡　|The Poet Kiyohara Motosuke, from the “Tameshige Version” of Thirty-six Poetic Immortals (Tameshige-bon Jidai fudō utawase emaki) is associated with Ming dynasty painting.