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Portrait of the Poet ‘Basho’

Yokoi Kinkoku

Artwork Details

Portrait of the Poet ‘Basho’
late 18th century - early 19th century
Yokoi Kinkoku
album leaf mounted as hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
8 x 7 3/16 in. (21.6 x 18.4 cm); ; ; ; ;
Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
1968/2.22

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Description

Subject Matter:

Yokoi Kinkoku was a student of the Bashō-revivalist poet and nanga painter Yosa Buson, suggesting that Kinkoku's depiction of Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) was part of a mid-Edo period resurgance in the poet's popularity. Bashō was celebrated for both his haiku and haikai renga. The latter of these genres was a form of satircal linked verse composed in groups, and Bashō's work in the genre became immitated by Buson and his followers. 

Physical Description:

This portrait of the poet Matsuo Bashō is constructed with seemingly effortless caligraphic lines, and surrounded by lines from one of the poet's works. The figure sits looking out at the viewer, beside his hat and a square container with a handle. The artist's seal is placed to the left of the figure, visually recalling the objects beside the poet on his other side. 

Usage Rights:

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