(Poets gathering) 1856

This print of gathering poets was made by Shunsei and now resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Dominating the image are three figures: a sage with a brush, an attendant, and an observer with a fan, all gathered in contemplation. The brush symbolizes knowledge and creativity, central to the poetic act. Note how the sage figure echoes depictions of ancient philosophers, a lineage stretching back to classical antiquity. Consider the seated posture, reminiscent of Buddha in meditation, yet here it merges with scholarly pursuit. We see this motif in other works across time, where figures of wisdom are depicted engaging in intellectual activities. These visual cues trigger something deep within our collective memory, engaging us with the timeless quest for understanding. The act of gathering itself speaks to the communal aspect of creativity, reminding us of our shared cultural heritage. How might this image speak to our unconscious desires to connect with both the past and each other?