Sugawara Michizane Going into Exile c. 1763 - 1764

This woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts Sugawara Michizane in exile, his figure set against a backdrop of a pale moon and distant shores. The exiled scholar's upward gaze, a gesture of longing or supplication, resonates deeply. This motif of upward gaze towards celestial bodies has permeated art across millennia. Think of the figures in Renaissance paintings, their eyes lifted towards the heavens, seeking divine intervention. This gesture transcends mere observation; it embodies a quest for understanding. The moon, often a symbol of the ephemeral, reminds us of the cyclical nature of time and fate. Here, it mirrors Michizane’s own journey through misfortune, a shared sentiment that engages our collective memory. The raw emotion conveyed by the image—the pain of separation, the yearning for justice—speaks to our subconscious fears and hopes, creating a profound connection that spans centuries. This universal longing, captured in a single, powerful image, reminds us of the enduring human spirit amidst the tides of history.