A young man sleeping and dreams of a young bijin
by Ogata Gekko
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
- Image courtesy of
- Japanese Art Open Database
by Ogata Gekko
This print depicts a classic dream-vision composition in which a reclining young man, shown in repose, perceives the apparition of a bijin — a beautiful woman — floating or materializing nearby. Gekko employs the conventional device of a diaphanous or cloud-like border to separate the waking world from the dream space, a compositional approach with roots in classical yamato-e painting. The bijin figure likely appears in formal dress, rendered with the delicate line work and flat color areas characteristic of Meiji-era [nishiki-e](/glossary/nishiki-e). The contrast between the man's earthbound stillness and the idealized, luminous woman creates a gentle erotic and melancholic mood. The print belongs to a tradition of romantic narrative subjects that Gekko revisited throughout his career.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
A young man sleeping and dreams of a young bijin was created by Ogata Gekko (尾形月耕).
A young man sleeping and dreams of a young bijin depicts bijin-ga.
