Title: Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems), Circa 1750-1850. An Early Manuscript Edition of this Anthology of Waka Poetry, with 15 Ink Illustrations
Author: Fujiwara no Teika, Unknown Copyist.
Condition: Good
A Mid to Late Edo Period, 18th to 19th century manuscript edition of the Hyakunin Isshu, also known as One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems. This copy has 15 ink illustrations of some of the poets from this anthology.
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.
The manuscript is stored in a wooden box for preservation.
One manuscript in quarto (26.5 x 17.7 cm), 51 leaves
This manuscript is in good shape, with heavy rubbing and wear to the covers, with peeling in places. The lower margins and corners are worn and stained, with soiling and staining in other places.