Poem by Fujiwara no Michinobu Ason - Katsushika Hokusai

A woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicting labourers on a steep path, from his series interpreting the classical Hyakunin isshu poetry anthology.

This woodblock print belongs to the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki), a project by Katsushika Hokusai that reimagines the classical Hyakunin isshu poetry anthology. Rather than depicting the poets themselves, Hokusai illustrates the themes of the verses through scenes of daily life in Edo-period Japan. This specific work interprets the poem by Fujiwara no Michinobu Ason, which speaks of the longing for a lover during the long hours of the night.

The composition captures a group of labourers navigating a steep, stepped path. The figures are rendered with Hokusai's characteristic attention to physical exertion: their muscles are taut, and their postures reflect the heavy burden of the palanquin and the goods they carry. The scene is set against a muted, atmospheric background, where a winding path leads the eye toward a distant horizon. The use of colour is restrained, relying on soft greens, earthy browns, and the natural tone of the paper to create a sense of quiet industry.

Hokusai employs a clear, graphic line to define the figures and the architectural elements of the palanquin. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing the viewer to observe the rhythmic movement of the workers as they ascend the incline. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to bridge the gap between high literary culture and the realities of the working class. By grounding the abstract sentiment of the poem in a tangible, human activity, Hokusai provides a visual commentary on the passage of time and the persistence of human effort. The work remains a fine example of his late-career output, where his mastery of composition and narrative economy reached a high degree of refinement.