The Eastern Journey of the Celebrated Poet Ariwara no Narihira
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image courtesy of
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
"The Eastern Journey of the Celebrated Poet Ariwara no Narihira" is a ukiyo-e print by Katsushika Hokusai, created during the Edo period. This work demonstrates the artist's distinctive approach to landscapes and nature through the medium of Japanese woodblock printing.
Hokusai was one of the greatest artists in Japanese history, known for his bold compositions, dynamic use of color, and innovative perspective. His work profoundly influenced Western Impressionism.
This print represents Katsushika Hokusai's contribution to the ukiyo-e tradition during the Edo period. As with all works by this artist, it reflects both individual artistic vision and the broader cultural moment in which it was created. For collectors and admirers of Japanese printmaking, it offers a window into the sophisticated aesthetic world that produced some of the most beloved images in art history.
More Prints by Katsushika Hokusai

The Fishermen of Katase Hauling in Their Nets: The Purple Shell (Murasakigai)
1821
Color woodblock print with metallic pigments; surimono shikishiban

Burdock Root (Kurama gobo), from the series "A Selection of Horses (Uma-zukushi)"
1822
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono

Horse Shells (Umagai), from the series "A Selection of Horses (Uma-zukushi)"
1822
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono

Orange Orchids, from an untitled series of flowers
c. 1832
Color woodblock print; oban
More Travel Scenes Prints

Rain Shower at Shо̄no, from the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tо̄kaidо̄ (Tо̄kaidо̄ gojusan tsugi)
1962
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper

Lake Kugushi in Wakasa Province (Wakasa Kugushiko), from the series Souvenirs of Travel I (Tabi miyage dai isshu)"
Wakasa Kugushiko
1920
Color woodblock print; oban

Pacific Ocean, Awa Province (Boshu Taikai), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Third Series (Tabi miyage dai sanshu)"
Boshu Taikai
1925
Color woodblock print; oban

Gosai Canal in Niigata (Niigata Gosaibori), from the series "Souvenirs of Travel, Second Series (Tabi miyage dai nishu)"
Niigata Gosaibori
1921
Color woodblock print; oban
Frequently Asked Questions
The Eastern Journey of the Celebrated Poet Ariwara no Narihira was created by Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎).
The Eastern Journey of the Celebrated Poet Ariwara no Narihira depicts travel scenes.