Title: Shokugosen Wakashū (Later Collection 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 Fujiwara no Tameie; Commissioned by Retired Emperor Go-Saga
Condition: Very Good
An Early Edo Period, 17th century edition of the Shokugosen Wakashū, also known as the Later Collection Continued.
One of the early imperially commissioned anthologies of Japanese waka poetry, this anthology was first compiled in 1251 by Fujiwara no Tameie, son Fujiwara no Teika, commissioned the Retired Emperor Go-Saga.
While his style inherited that of the Shinchokusen Wakashu, selected by Tameie's father, Teika,it has also been criticized as flat and listless.
The anthology follows a standard breakdown of 20 volumes, containing 1368 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), 92, 81 leaves
These manuscripts are in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the bindings. The first volume cords are loosened but holding. There is very little foxing or staining throughout.