At the Edge of the River Akutagawa - Sugimura Jihei

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Sugimura Jihei, illustrating a scene from the Tales of Ise with expressive ink lines.

This woodblock print by Sugimura Jihei depicts a scene from the Tales of Ise, a collection of Japanese waka poems and associated narratives dating to the Heian period. Sugimura Jihei was an active figure in the early Ukiyo-e movement, known for his contributions to book illustration during the Genroku era. His work often features bold, confident lines that define the figures and their surroundings with clarity.

The composition is divided into two distinct registers. The upper section shows a close-up of two figures, likely the protagonist Ariwara no Narihira and his companion, engaged in an intimate moment. The lower section provides a wider view of the pair near the Akutagawa River, framed by a weeping willow tree. This narrative structure allows the viewer to observe both the emotional intensity of the characters and the setting of their journey.

Sugimura Jihei employed a monochromatic ink style, typical of early Ukiyo-e prints before the widespread adoption of multi-colour printing. The lines are expressive, capturing the movement of the garments and the natural forms of the willow branches. The paper texture remains visible, adding a tactile quality to the print. This work reflects the aesthetic preferences of the late 17th century, where literary themes were frequently adapted for a popular audience. The focus remains on the narrative clarity and the rhythmic quality of the line work, which guides the eye across the page. By presenting the scene in this manner, the artist balances the literary source material with the visual conventions of the period, creating a piece that functions as both a narrative illustration and a graphic composition.