Title: Shinshūi Wakashū (New Waka Collection of Gleanings), 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 Fujiwara no Tameakira and Priest Poet Ton'a; Commissioned by Emperor Go-Kōgon at the request of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiakira
Condition: Very Good
An Early Edo Period, 17th century edition of the Shokugoshūi Wakashū, also known as the Later Collection of Gleanings of Japanese Poems Continued. This is the final poetry anthology compiled by the Nijō School.
One of the early imperially commissioned anthologies of Japanese waka poetry, this anthology was first compiled in 1364 by Fujiwara no Tameakira, being completed by Priest Poet Ton'a and was commissioned by Go-Kōgon at the request of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiakira no Tameakira was a member of the Nijō School of Poetry, one of the more conservative schools and comprised of descendants of Fujiwara no Tameie's eldest son, Nijō Tameuji. The school carried a bias toward the politics and poetics aimed at preserving the ideals of Fujiwara no Shunzei and Fujiwara no Teika and is credited for the compilation of eleven out of the thirteen later imperial anthologies, also known as the Jūsandaishū.
The anthology follows a standard breakdown of 20 volumes, comprising of 1920 poems.
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), 128, 124 leaves
These manuscripts are in very good shape, with minimal rubbing and wear to the bindings. There is very little foxing or ink staining throughout.