Lot 2043: After Suzuki Kiitsu (1796-1858)

Sanjurokkasen (The Thirty-Six Immortal Poets) Large two-panel, ink, color and gold on paper; the lower right bearing a seal reading Shukurinsai 71 3/4 x 72 3/4in (182.3 x 185cm)

182.3 x 185cm

The subject of the thirty-six great poets, based on a Fujiwara no Kinto's selection for the first imperial anthology Kokin wakashu, was a popular subject for Japanese artists since its inception. In this screen, the poses of the figures are derived from early kasen-e (poet portraits), but the humorous rendering incorporating tarashikomi and other decorative features demonstrate a Rimpa school sensibility. This particular work appears to have been based on a hanging scroll in the collection of the British Museum (1980.7-28.01).