Hokusai

Katsushika Hokusai, 1760-1849

The Hundred Poems [By the Hundred Poets] as Told by the Nurse: Teishin Ko
(Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki: Teishin Ko)

a view at a villa entrance in a mountainous landscape with pine and red maples, at center a young man in courtly robes bows his head towards a monk kneeling before him; signed zen Hokusai Manji, with publisher's seal Eijudo (Iseya Sanjiro) and censor's kiwame seal, the reverse with collector's seals of William Sturgis Bigelow (twice) and Perrine on verso, ca. 1835-6

oban yoko-e 10 3/8 by 14 7/8 in., 26.4 by 37.8 cm

The poem is by Fujiwara no Tadahira (880-949), who was given the name Teishin Ko posthumously. As the prime minister, he was asked by the Emperor Uda, who had relinquished his throne to his son to become a monk, to extend an invitation to the reigning Emperor Daigo to visit his father at Mount Ogura to view the autumn colors. The poem is the minister's eloquent invitation.

Ogura yama
Mine no momiji-ba
Kokoro araba
abi no
Miyuki matanan

If the maple leaves
On the ridge of Ogura
Have the gift of mind,
They will longingly await
One more august pilgrimage

References:
Peter Morse, Hokusai: One Hundred Poets, 1989, pp. 72-73, no. 26

Published:
Katherine Martin, Highlights of Japanese Printmaking: Part One, Scholten Japanese Art, 2005, no. 34

Provenance:
Ex Collection William Sturgis Bigelow, Boston
Ex Collection Perrine

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site last updated
March 28, 2024

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