Title: Shinshokukokin Wakashū (New Poetry Anthology of Ancient and Modern Times Continued), Circa 1600-1700. Illuminated Manuscript Edition of this Imperially Commissioned Anthology of Waka Poetry, Decorated with Golden Sprays and Reeds. 20 Volumes in 2 Beautifully Bound Books
Author: Compiled by Asukai Masayo; Commissioned by Emperor Go-Hanazono at the request of shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori; Unknown Copyist
Condition: Good
An Early Edo Period, 17th century edition of the Shinshokukokin Wakashū, also known as the New Poetry Anthology of Ancient and Modern Times Continued. The name is in reference to the Shokukokin Wakashū or New Poetry Anthology of Ancient and Modern Times.
One of the early imperially commissioned anthologies of Japanese waka poetry, this anthology was first compiled in 1439 by Asukai Masayo and was commissioned by Emperor Go-Hanazono at the behest of shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori.
Masayo was a member of the Asukai poetic family; a school traditionally aligned with the conservative Nijō School and had taken their place in the court when the Nijo fell out of favor.
The anthology follows a standard breakdown of 20 volumes, containing 2144 poems. This served as the last Imperial anthology and was notable for including many poets (close to 800) ranging from the Man'yoshu Period all the way up to contemporary poets.
The manuscripts are written on very fine torinoko paper, and in a beautiful, calligraphic, script. The pages have been decorated with golden sprays and reeds throughout.
Each manuscript has also been beautifully bound in silk brocade chitsu, the front endpaper and pastedown decorated with golden sprays and flowering reeds.
On note of provenance, these manuscripts come from an old family storehouse in Japan which was recently sold in mid-2025, as separate lots.
Two finely bound manuscripts in quarto (24.5 x 16.5 cm), 154, 142 leaves
These manuscripts are in good shape, with minor rubbing and worming to the covers, heavier to the second volume. The first volume is split in half but holding together as separate pieces. There is marginal worming to the second volume, with a few letters affected.