The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals 1824

Sakai Hōitsu created "The Thirty-Six Poetic Immortals" using ink and color on paper in Japan during the Edo period. Hōitsu, who came from a privileged samurai family, became a Buddhist monk, and dedicated his life to art. This piece draws on a classical theme, the thirty-six poetic immortals, who were celebrated poets of the past, as a way to evoke cultural memory and continuity. During the Edo period, there was a renewed interest in Japanese classical literature and art. Hōitsu, influenced by Rinpa school aesthetics, created a more simplified and abstract style which reflects the values and tastes of the urban elite. Note how the figures are rendered with light washes of color and delicate outlines. Each figure is shown in a moment of contemplation, surrounded by their poems written in elegant calligraphy. They are presented without the need for elaborate detail, inviting viewers to use their imagination. By blending tradition with innovation, Hōitsu captures the emotional depth of poetry and its connection to personal and collective identity.