Who painted Kakinomoto no Hitomaro?

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was painted by Unknown in 1304.

Where can I see Kakinomoto no Hitomaro?

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Kakinomoto no Hitomaro?

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is associated with Tosa School.

Artwork

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro

Unknown , 1304

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is an unspecified painting by the Tosa School artist Unknown. It dates from 1304 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1977.203
Credit line: Gift of Herbert F. Leisy in memory of his wife, Helen Stamp Leisy

About this work

The artist included a snippet of his poem on fake paper scrolls, like a little Easter egg for viewers who knew his work.

You see an old Japanese poet sitting under a tree, cherry petals drifting down, his brush poised over paper.

This is Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, a poet from the 600s, centuries before this portrait was made. The artist included a snippet of his poem on fake paper scrolls, like a little Easter egg for viewers who knew his work. The first lines are mostly lost, but the fragment still hints at misty dawns.

If you like this quiet, story-filled style, look up japan, kamakura period (1185–1333).

Overview

This painting depicts Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, a renowned Japanese poet from the 7th century. The work shows the poet seated under a tree, surrounded by falling cherry blossoms, with writing materials in hand.

Subject & Meaning

Hitomaro is shown gazing up at a falling cherry blossom, lost in thought. A poem fragment on decorative paper rectangles alludes to his literary legacy, referencing a poem about longing and a ship disappearing into the mist at Akashi Bay.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a serene and narrative style, incorporating visual elements that reflect the poet's work. The use of inked rectangles resembling decorated papers adds a layer of depth to the composition.

Context

Created during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), this portrait is a representation of a poet from an earlier era, highlighting the enduring influence of Hitomaro's work on Japanese literature and culture.