Modern Representation of the Poetess Kaga no Chiyo 1755 - 1775

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print of the poetess Kaga no Chiyo in Japan during the mid-18th century. At this time, a vogue for depicting classical Japanese poets in contemporary settings emerged, reflecting a desire to connect the present with a revered past. In this print, Harunobu subtly nods to the historical figure of Kaga no Chiyo through the inscription and her contemplative pose. Yet, he situates her in a modern context, evident in her fashionable attire and surroundings. This fusion of historical reverence and contemporary life speaks to the social and cultural values of the Edo period, a time when the merchant class was rising in prominence. It was also a time when the art world revolved around the patronage of wealthy merchants and the floating world culture of the urban centers. Art historians delve into such cultural nuances using a variety of primary source documents to interpret how these works both reflected and shaped the sensibilities of their time.