Ariwara
no Narihira, is one of the famed Rokkasen, the six poet laureates of Japan. Born
in the early Heian period he was the grandson of Emperor Heizei and the fifth
child of Prince Abo. A handsome man, Nahira led an unconventional life of adventure
and romance, a life dedicated to the evocation of beauty. Given to dangerous liaisons,
he was not a stranger to scandal and was exiled from court at least once for his
forbidden romantic alliances.
Scholars consider Nahira as the author of the majority of the Japanese
literary classic "Ise Monogatari" (The Tales of Ise). Ise Monogatari follows the
adventures of a man with impressive charm, good looks and extravagant behavior,
a poet who has many passionate affairs with beautiful ladies. In this sense many
scholars feel that the tale is autobiographical and indeed in the Japanese mythic
mind Ise Monogatari has become Narihara’s personal story.
In
this ivory statue, Narihira is identified by his ceremonial umbrella (tategasa)
and his oidake kamuri, a close fitting cap. He holds a hon (book) in his left
hand. The detail and humane expression in this figurine is exceptional. His brow
slightly furrows and his lips and cheekbones communicate a regal elegance. Narihira’s
robes exhibit the grace and movement of clouds under gentle winds and the ivory
is old and beautifully marked.
This
Mejii era ivory statue is marked by an artist stamp. The figurine is an exquisite
evocation of this romantic historical Japanese poet, a man whose artistry and
life has inspired generations with its mythic stature and beauty. (SD)
Private Collection
