Title: Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems), Circa 1750-1850. A Rare Miniature Edition of Teika’s Compiled Work, with 68 Tiny Woodblock Illustrations of Poets and Poetry
Author: Originally Composed by Fujiwara no Teika
Condition: Good
A Mid to Late Edo Period, mid 18th to 19th century edition of the Hyakunin Isshu, or One Hundred Poets, One Hundred Poems.
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 edition is a rather rare sight, being a miniature set of two volumes containing 68 woodblock illustrations of the 100 poets, with corresponding poetry. The endpapers are re-used waste fragments, and there is no publication information. I have never seen a miniature edition of the Hyakunin Isshu produced in this format, though it is possible that the printing blocks for a Karuta (Card Game) set were used to custom produce this at some point in the Edo Period.
Both volumes are accompanied by an early lacquerware case, with a cover depicting two images of poets, though one is so heavily worn it is no longer discernable.
Two miniature volumes in 128mo (5.5 x 3.8 cm), 17, 17 leaves
These volumes are in good shape, with rubbing and wear to the covers. There is some wear throughout both volumes with a few of the woodblock illustrations being affected.