Poem by Fujiwara no Yoshitaka - Katsushika Hokusai

A woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicting a coastal scene from his series interpreting the One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.

This woodblock print belongs to the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by an Old Nurse, a project by Katsushika Hokusai that remained unfinished. The series interprets the Hyakunin Isshu, a classical anthology of Japanese poetry, through the lens of everyday life and folklore. In this composition, Hokusai depicts a scene associated with the poem by Fujiwara no Yoshitaka, which speaks of longing and the desire to see a loved one.

The visual narrative presents a coastal dwelling with an open veranda, where figures are gathered in various states of repose. The architecture is rendered with precise, clean lines, contrasting with the fluid, ethereal ribbons of smoke that drift across the frame. These plumes of smoke create a sense of movement and atmosphere, bridging the gap between the interior space and the vast, deep blue expanse of the sea beyond. The colour palette relies on deep indigo, soft ochre, and muted earth tones, typical of the period's printing techniques.

Hokusai employs a sophisticated use of perspective, placing the viewer at an elevated angle that allows for a clear view of both the domestic activity and the distant horizon. The figures, dressed in patterned kimonos, are integrated into the structure, their postures suggesting a quiet, contemplative mood. The inclusion of the poem in the upper right corner provides the literary context, linking the visual imagery to the classical text. This work demonstrates the artist's ability to translate abstract poetic themes into concrete, observable reality, capturing a moment of stillness by the water. The print is a fine example of the technical skill involved in Edo-period woodblock production, where multiple blocks were used to achieve the subtle gradations of colour and the crisp definition of the architectural elements.