Isoda Koryūsai. Poet Saigyō Hōshi Admiring Mount Fuji / Hashira-e, c. 1765-70.

Artist: Isoda Koryūsai [礒田 湖龍斎] (Japanese, 1735–1790)
Signed: Signature erased (unsigned impression)
Date: c. 1765–70
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; Hashira-e (pillar print) 60 × 12.1 cm (23.6 × 4.8 inches)

Title: Poet Saigyō Hōshi Admiring Mount Fuji (Saigyō Hōshi Fuji o nagameru zu, 西行法師富士を眺める図)

Description:
The revered poet-monk Saigyō Hōshi (西行法師, 1118–1190) is shown gazing up in awe at Mount Fuji, which rises in sharp angular lines above a layered landscape of clouds, distant hills, and gently swirling water. Dressed in traveling robes, with a straw hat tilted backward, Saigyō holds a pilgrim’s staff and appears caught in a moment of poetic reflection.

Though the signature is absent (erased), this composition has been convincingly attributed to Isoda Koryūsai by multiple authorities. The figure’s rounded form, elegant linework, and spatial layering are consistent with Koryūsai’s early hashira-e style.

This impression is in very good condition for a hashira-e of the 1760s, retaining fine detail in the linework and soft color passages in the sky and mountain.

References:

• Jacob Pins, The Japanese Pillar Print, #491 / p. 202

• Tikotin Museum, Haifa (attributed example)

• Allen Hockley, The Prints of Isoda Koryūsai, catalogue raisonné A3-J-5, p. 261