Poem by Abe no Nakamaro - Katsushika Hokusai

A classic woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicting the poet Abe no Nakamaro, part of the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse.

This woodblock print belongs to the series 'One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse' (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki), a project by Katsushika Hokusai that sought to illustrate the famous 'Ogura Hyakunin Isshu' poetry anthology. In this specific composition, Hokusai depicts the poet Abe no Nakamaro, a historical figure who served as an envoy to the Tang dynasty court in China. The scene captures the poet standing upon a promontory, gazing out towards the moon over a vast expanse of water, reflecting the themes of longing and distance present in his original poem.

Hokusai employs a distinct visual language here, balancing the human figures with the expansive, quiet atmosphere of the night. The composition is structured around the central figure of the poet, surrounded by attendants in a setting that blends architectural elements with natural forms. The colour palette is restrained, utilising deep blues and muted earth tones to convey the nocturnal setting, while the clear, graphic lines define the silhouettes of the figures and the distant boats.

Unlike his more famous series focusing on Mount Fuji, this work demonstrates Hokusai's ability to interpret classical literature through a narrative lens. The print provides a glimpse into the Edo period's fascination with historical poetry and the technical mastery of the woodblock medium. The use of flat colour planes and controlled line work is characteristic of the artist's later career, where he moved towards a more refined and deliberate style. This print is a fine example of the collaborative process between the artist, the carver, and the printer, resulting in a balanced image that remains accessible to contemporary viewers while retaining its historical context.