Illustration of the Poems in the Heike Monogatari: Izumi Shikibu
Title
Illustration of the Poems in the Heike Monogatari: Izumi Shikibu
Creator
Nishikawa Sukenobu
Kyoto, Japan, 1671 - 1751
As the most prominent illustrator in the 18th century, Sukenobu had an extensive background in traditional Kano and Tosa schools. He later turned to the Ukiyo-e style. His mature style, which emphasizes spatial unity between the figures and the settings was reached around 1730. His concept of the grace and beauty of Japanese women had a lasting effect on the art of Ukiyo-e.
Kyoto, Japan, 1671 - 1751
As the most prominent illustrator in the 18th century, Sukenobu had an extensive background in traditional Kano and Tosa schools. He later turned to the Ukiyo-e style. His mature style, which emphasizes spatial unity between the figures and the settings was reached around 1730. His concept of the grace and beauty of Japanese women had a lasting effect on the art of Ukiyo-e.
Date
1747
Format
woodblock print
Description
The Tale of the Heike (平家物語, Heike Monogatari) is an epic account compiled prior to 1330 of the struggle between the Taira clan and Minamoto clan for control of Japan at the end of the 12th century in the Genpei War (1180–1185). Heike (平家) refers to the Taira (平), hei being the Sino-Japanese reading of the first Chinese character. Note that in the title of the Genpei War, "hei" is in this combination read as "pei" and the "gen" (源) is the first kanji used in the Minamoto (also known as "Genji" which is also pronounced using Sino-Japanese, for example as in The Tale of Genji) clan's name. The Tale of the Heike is often likened to a Japanese Iliad.
Collection
Citation
Nishikawa Sukenobu
Kyoto, Japan, 1671 - 1751
As the most prominent illustrator in the 18th century, Sukenobu had an extensive background in traditional Kano and Tosa schools. He later turned to the Ukiyo-e style. His mature style, which emphasizes spatial unity between the figures and the settings was reached around 1730. His concept of the grace and beauty of Japanese women had a lasting effect on the art of Ukiyo-e., “Illustration of the Poems in the Heike Monogatari: Izumi Shikibu,” Ewing Gallery Permanent Collection, accessed April 29, 2024, https://ewinggallery.omeka.net/items/show/219.