3-079-687 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Thirty Six Immortal Poets' Cards (1), 1853. One of a series of four prints which together depict a group of thirty six contemporary actors. These prints were made as a parody of the 'thirty six immortal poets' who were selected for a famous anthology of poetry in the eleventh century.;In 1842 the government prohibited luxurious prints in order to encourage morality in the society, and restricted colours and themes of ukiyo-e. When this colourful and lavish print was published these regulations were already relaxed. However the title of 'Immortal poets' reflects the fact that the regulations caused artists to make portraits of actors with the format of national hero or 'thirty six immortal poets' in order to turn censor's eyes off.