One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets -  Kuniyoshi's circa 1840 - 1842 series "One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets" is based on the famous anthology of classical Japanese waka poems collected in the thirteenth century by the poet and calligrapher Fujiwara no Teika. For each verse, Kuniyoshi presents a portrait of the poet or a scene suggested by the poem itself. The verse appears in a box next to the series title in the upper right corner. Subjects range from the poets writing or contemplating nature to the daily activities of noblemen and peasants alike. Nicely composed and detailed, many designs include soft bokashi shading in the background. A rarely seen Kuniyoshi series and a nice complement to his more well-known subjects.

Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, No. 3 - Interesting scene of a Buddhist priest who appears to be lecturing a group of three monks, who glare back at him angrily, white cowls wrapped over their heads. The man at left watches the confrontation with surprise, his mouth agape. A flowering cherry tree with embossed white blossoms frames the scene above. The verse by the 8th century nobleman Kakinomoto no Hitomaro reads:

Oh, the foot-drawn trail
Of the mountain-pheasant's tail
Drooped like down-curved branch!
Through this long, long-dragging night
Must I lie in bed alone?

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Stitching holes at one side, a few repaired. A few creases and slight rubbing at edges, small stain. Please see photos for details.