Title: Nyoju-roku-nin Utaawase Kyoku-Satsu Soe (Poetry Contest of Thirty-Six Ladies), Circa 1705-1741. A Beautifully Decorated Manuscript on Competing Women Poets
Author: Calligraphy Attributed to Reizei Tamehisa; Unknown Compiler
Condition: Good
An Early to Mid Edo Period, 18th century manuscript copy of the Nyoju-roku-nin Utaawase, also known as the Poetry Contest of Thirty-Six Ladies, the calligraphy attributed to Reizei Tamehisa (1685-1741).
Originally compiled in the Mid-Kamakura Period in Japan, the poetry contest was modeled after Fujiwara no Kinto 's "Thirty-six Women's Poetry Contest". Divided into two groups of 18 poets, the medieval poets on the left range from Ono Komachi to Sagami, while the early medieval poets on the right range from Princess Shikiko to Shōjō Mokabemonin. Three waka poems were each selected for the "battle." All selected poets' works were included in various imperially compiled waka anthologies.
A member of a Japanese kuge (court noble) family from Kyoto, Tamehisa belonged to a branch of the Fujiwara clan, with a long poetic tradition. In fact, there is a 25th family head as of today, Reizei Tamehito.
The calligraphy is written on fine torinoko paper, the manuscript itself bound in brocade decorated covers. There is also a letter of appraisal, and both items are contained in a wooden box for preservation.
One manuscript in quarto (22.5 x 19 cm). 19 leaves
This manuscript is in good shape, with the cords very loose, though the manuscript is still holding together. The last three leaves have a small worm track.