Title: Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred People, One Poem Each), Circa 1600-1700. An Early Manuscript Edition of this Famous Poetry Anthology, Written on Multicolored Paper
Author: Copy by Tsuda-ben Sakka-Chō?; Original Text by Fujiwara no Teika
Condition: Fair
An Early Edo Period, 17th century edition of the Hyakunin Isshu, also known as One Hundred People, One Poem Each.
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 copy has been written on different colored paper, changed every few leaves.
One manuscript in quarto (26.5 x 19.2 cm), 27 leaves
This manuscript is in fair shape, with heavy wear and staining to the covers. The text block is just holding together, by a single cord. There is wear and staining throughout, with many of the page edges worn and chipped, without any text loss.