Title: Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems), Circa 1750-1850. A Rare Miniature Edition of Teika’s Compiled Work, with 102 Woodblock Illustrations of Poets and Poetry
Author: Originally Composed by Fujiwara no Teika
Condition: Very Good
A Mid to Late Edo Period, mid 18th to 19th century edition of the Hyakunin Isshu, or One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems.
One of the classical anthologies of Japanese waka poetry, this follows the most popular and standardized version compiled by Fujiwara no Teika, comprising of one hundred waka poems by one hundred different poets of the Heian Period and earlier. The work was arranged for Utsunomiya Yoritsuna, the father-in-law of Teika's son Tameie, who was working near Mount Ogura at the time. Teika’s poetical impact and legacy has remained in Japan for centuries onwards, being renowned as one of the nations greatest poets, and dominating the poetry scene with his style and works from the Heian to Meiji Periods.
This edition is a rather rare sight, being a near miniature edition containing all 100 woodblock illustrations of the 100 poets, with corresponding poetry, a double page woodblock illustration, and one more serving as a frontispiece.
One miniature volume in 64mo (10.3 x 7.3 cm), 52 leaves
This volume is in very good shape, with heavy rubbing and wear to the covers. There is rubbing and wear throughout, with some of the woodblock illustrations being partially faded.