Poem by Kanke (Sugawara Michizane) - Katsushika Hokusai

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicting an aristocratic ox-drawn carriage from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse.

This woodblock print belongs to the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse, a project in which Katsushika Hokusai sought to illustrate the Hyakunin isshu, a classic anthology of one hundred Japanese poems. In this specific composition, Hokusai depicts the poet Kanke, also known as Sugawara Michizane, a ninth-century scholar and politician. The scene captures an ox-drawn carriage, a traditional mode of transport for the aristocracy during the Heian period. The carriage is decorated with ornate patterns, and the ox rests on the ground while attendants gather nearby.

Hokusai employs a balanced composition, using the carriage as the primary visual anchor. The inclusion of falling maple leaves suggests an autumnal setting, providing a sense of atmosphere and seasonal transition. The colour palette relies on muted earth tones, punctuated by the deep blue of the attendants' garments and the carriage's decorative elements. The print demonstrates Hokusai's technical precision in woodblock carving, particularly in the rendering of the carriage wheels and the delicate lines of the figures.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on actors or courtesans, Hokusai often turned his attention to historical and literary subjects. This series is notable for its attempt to make classical poetry accessible to a wider audience through visual storytelling. The print reflects the artist's interest in combining historical narrative with everyday observation. The inclusion of the poem's text in the upper right corner serves as a direct link to the literary source material, integrating calligraphy with the visual image. The work remains a fine example of late Edo-period printmaking, showcasing the artist's ability to synthesise complex historical themes into a singular, coherent image.