Waka Collection

Ono no Komachi, between circa 1845 and circa 1849. Creator: Ando Hiroshige
Ono no Komachi, between circa 1845 and circa 1849. From number 9

Minamoto no Shigeyuki, between circa 1845 and circa 1849. Creator: Ando Hiroshige
Minamoto no Shigeyuki, between circa 1845 and circa 1849. From number 48

An Elegant Genji in Snow, 1853. Creator: Utagawa Kunisada
An Elegant Genji in Snow, 1853. Murasaki Viewing the Snow

The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 2 of 2), c1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 2 of 2), c1775. From One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 1 of 2), c1775. Creator: Shunsho
The Poetress Murasaki Shikibu with a poem about the moon at midnight (image 1 of 2), c1775. From One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

Murasaki Shikibu, c1670. Creator: Hishikawa Moronobu
Murasaki Shikibu, c1670. From One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets

The Poet Sojo Henjo, from the series "Modern Children as the Six Immortal Poets... c. 1804/05
The Poet Sojo Henjo, from the series "Modern Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Tosei kodomo rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1804/05

The Poet Sojo Henjo, from the series "Modern Children as the Six Immortal Poets... c. 1804/05
The Poet Sojo Henjo, from the series "Modern Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Tosei kodomo rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1804/05

Sojo Henjo, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu... c. 1814/17)
Sojo Henjo, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu kodakara rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1814/17

Sojo Henjo, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu... c. 1814/17)
Sojo Henjo, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu kodakara rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1814/17

Kisen Hoshi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu... c. 1814/17)
Kisen Hoshi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu kodakara rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1814/17

Ono no Komachi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu... c.1814/17)
Ono no Komachi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu kodakara rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1814/17

Ono no Komachi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu... c.1814/17)
Ono no Komachi, from the series "Fashionable Children as the Six Immortal Poets (Furyu kodakara rokkasen)", Japan, c. 1814/17

Abe no Nakamaro, seventh poet in the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred... c. 1835/36. Creator: Hokusai
Abe no Nakamaro, seventh poet in the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse, Japan, c. 1835/36

Abe no Nakamaro, seventh poet in the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred... c. 1835/36. Creator: Hokusai
Abe no Nakamaro, seventh poet in the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse, Japan, c. 1835/36

The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada in the Play Kuni no Hana Ono no... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada in the Play Kuni no Hana Ono no Itsumoji, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1771, Japan, c. 1771

The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada in the Play Kuni no Hana Ono no... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada in the Play Kuni no Hana Ono no Itsumoji, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the Eleventh Month, 1771, Japan, c. 1771

The Waka Murasaki Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Waka Murasaki)...parodies, c. 1710
The Waka Murasaki Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Waka Murasaki), from a series of Genji parodies, c. 1710

Onakatomi no Yoshinobu Ason, from the series "One Hundred Poems by One Hundred... c. 1842
Onakatomi no Yoshinobu Ason, from the series "One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets (Hyakunin isshu no uchi)", c. 1842

Poem by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Ason, from the series "One Hundred Poems Explained by... c. 1835/36
Poem by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Ason, from the series "One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki)", Japan, c. 1835/36

The Actors Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada (right), Yoshizawa Sakinosuke III... c. 1772. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Ichikawa Yaozo II as Yoshimine no Munesada (right), Yoshizawa Sakinosuke III as Shizuya (center), and Nakamura Matsue I as Sakuragi (left), in the Play Kuni no Hana Ono no Itsumoji

Ono no Komachi, from the series A Collection of Fashionable Beauties of Japan (Wakoku... n.d. Creator: Torii Kiyonaga)
Ono no Komachi, from the series A Collection of Fashionable Beauties of Japan (Wakoku bijin ryaku shu), Edo period (1615-1868), n.d

Ono no Komachi, from the series "Framed Pictures of Women for the Katsushika Circle... c. 1822. Creator: Gakutei
Ono no Komachi, from the series "Framed Pictures of Women for the Katsushika Circle (Katsushikaren gakumen fujin awase)", c. 1822

The Poet Nakamaro (Abe no Nakamaro), from the series "One Hundred Poems by One... c. 1763/64
The Poet Nakamaro (Abe no Nakamaro), from the series "One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets (Hyakunin isshu no uchi)", c. 1763/64

Episode 73 (Nanajusan dan), from the series "Tales of Ise for the Asakusa Group... Japan, c. 1812
Episode 73 (Nanajusan dan), from the series "Tales of Ise for the Asakusa Group (Asakusagawa Ise Monogatari)", Japan, c. 1812

Wakayama City, Japan cityscape on the Waka River at night

Wakayama City, Japan downtown cityscape in the afternoon

Parrot Komachi (Omu Komachi), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspects of Komachi... 1751 / 64
Parrot Komachi (Omu Komachi), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspects of Komachi (Furyu yatsushi nana Komachi), Edo period (1615-1868), 1751/64

Ono no Komachi at Seki Temple (Seki), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspects of... 1751 / 64
Ono no Komachi at Seki Temple (Seki), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspects of Komachi (Furyu yatsushi nana Komachi), Edo period (1615-1868), 1751/64

Ono no Komachi by the Waterfall (Shimizu), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspect... 1751 / 64
Ono no Komachi by the Waterfall (Shimizu), from the series The Seven Fashionable Aspects of Komachi (Furyu yatsushi nana Komachi), Edo period (1615-1868), 1751/64

Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain (Amagoi), from the series "The Seven Fashionable... c. early 1760s
Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain (Amagoi), from the series " The Seven Fashionable Aspects of Komachi (Furyu yatsushi nana Komachi)", c. early 1760s

Eight-Plank Bridge (parody of "Tales of Ise"), c. 1767
Eight-Plank Bridge (parody of " Tales of Ise" ), c. 1767

First Love (Hatsu koi), a parody of the well-curb episode of the "Tales of Ise"
First Love (Hatsu koi), a parody of the well-curb episode of the " Tales of Ise", c. 1766/67

Poem by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki, from an untitled series of Thirty-Six Immortal Poets, c. 1767/68

Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets, c. 1767/68

Poem by Sojo Henjo, from the series "Six Famous Poets (Rokkasen)", c. 1764 / 65
Poem by Sojo Henjo, from the series " Six Famous Poets (Rokkasen)", c. 1764/65

Eight-Platform Bridge (Yatsuhashi), from the "Tale of Ise (Ise Monogatari)", c
Eight-Platform Bridge (Yatsuhashi), from the " Tale of Ise (Ise Monogatari)", c. 1764/65

Poem by Minamoto no Saneakira Ason, from an untitled series of Thirty-Six Immortal Poets, c. 1767/68

Poem by Kisen Hoshi, from the series "Six Famous Poets (Rokkasen)", c. 1764 / 65
Poem by Kisen Hoshi, from the series " Six Famous Poets (Rokkasen)", c. 1764/65

Minamoto no Kintada, Kamakura Period (ink & colour on paper)
833339 Minamoto no Kintada, Kamakura Period (ink & colour on paper) by Fujiwara no Nobuzane (Jakusai) (1177-c.1265); width: 69.4 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution

Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man watching a dancer
Concubine (mekake) of a high-ranking man with tobacco pipe watching a dancing girl accompanied by musicians on shamisen and blind koto harpist (koze)

Ono no Komachi, illustration in L Art magazine, 1875 (colour litho)
CHT349854 Ono no Komachi, illustration in L Art magazine, 1875 (colour litho) by Japanese School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; (add.info.: Ono no Komachi (fl)

Lake Waikaremoana, 1908 (silver gelatin print)
MGS272603 Lake Waikaremoana, 1908 (silver gelatin print) by McDonald, James (1865-1935); 15.5x20.2 cm; Private Collection; eMichael Graham-Stewart; New Zealander, out of copyright

Front Face of a Stela, Classic Period, Waka, Guatemala, 692 (limestone)
715069 Front Face of a Stela, Classic Period, Waka, Guatemala, 692 (limestone) by Mayan (7th century); 274.4x182.3 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Mesoamerica, Guatemala)

The Japanese Waka poet Ono no Komachi (engraving)
3647866 The Japanese Waka poet Ono no Komachi (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Japanese Waka poet Ono no Komachi (825-900)

Whanganui River, c. 1905 (silver gelatin print)
MGS272606 Whanganui River, c.1905 (silver gelatin print) by Partington, William (1855-1940); 15x20.7 cm; Private Collection; eMichael Graham-Stewart; New Zealander, out of copyright

The Beach at Sumiyoshi, illustration from The Tales of Ise, 1600-40 (ink
1268668 The Beach at Sumiyoshi, illustration from The Tales of Ise, 1600-40 (ink, colour & gold leaf on paper) by Sotatsu, Tawaraya (fl.c.1600-40); 40.6x33.2 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH

Crew of Sri Lankan fishing prau
Ragged Sri Lankan fishermen work their prau sailing boat off the coast of Sri Lanka Date: 1994

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"Waka: Capturing the Elegance and Poetry of Japanese Culture" Step into the enchanting world of waka, a traditional form of Japanese poetry that has captivated hearts for centuries. These captivating artworks by Suzuki Harunobu beautifully depict various aspects of waka, showcasing its profound influence on Japanese culture. In "Parrot Komachi (Omu Komachi), " we witness the graceful Parrot Komachi adorned in vibrant colors, symbolizing her elegance and charm. The delicate brushstrokes bring to life her poetic spirit, inviting us to delve into the realm of waka. "Ono no Komachi at Seki Temple" transports us to a serene setting where Ono no Komachi finds solace amidst nature's beauty. Her ethereal presence is accentuated by the flowing waterfall and lush greenery, evoking a sense of tranquility that resonates with waka's essence. The artwork "Ono no Komachi by the Waterfall" mesmerizes with its depiction of Ono no Komachi immersed in contemplation near a cascading waterfall. As she gazes into the distance, we are reminded of waka's ability to capture fleeting moments and evoke deep emotions through carefully chosen words. In "Ono no Komachi Praying for Rain, " we witness an intimate scene as Ono no Komachi fervently prays for rain during a drought. This piece reflects not only her devotion but also highlights how waka was often used as a medium for expressing desires and hopes within society. Suzuki Harunobu's parody works add another layer to our understanding of waka's influence on art and literature. In "Eight-Plank Bridge, " he playfully references "Tales of Ise, " infusing it with his own artistic flair while paying homage to this beloved classic. Similarly, "First Love" captures a tender moment inspired by another episode from "Tales of Ise.