Comparison of the Ogura One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each -  Handsome design from a terrific series pairing a verse from the best-loved collection of Japanese poetry, "The One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each," with figures from Japanese history or theater. Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi, and Kunisada each designed prints for the series. Divided into two parts, the first group of prints features a poem next to the series title, while the second half includes a fan-shaped inset with a portrait of the featured poet. A wonderful and unusual series with great designs by the top artists of the mid-19th century. These prints would make great additions to any ukiyo-e collection.

Lady Ukon, Poet No. 38 - Terrific scene from the "Tales of Heike" of Shunkan, who was exiled to an island with two other men after plotting against the Taira leader Kiyomori. After three years, an envoy arrived with pardons for the other two men, but not for Shunkan. He is shown here on his knees on the shore, waving desperately as he watches the ship carrying his companions sail off into the distance. His clothing is tattered and his nails long, his hair and eyebrows unkempt, waves crashing against his emaciated body. The poem by the Heian era Lady Ukon reads:

Though he forsook me,
For myself I do not care:
He made a promise,
And his life, who is forsworn,
Oh how pitiful that is.

A great design, wonderfully detailed with soft shading on the water and sky

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. A few small repairs and creases, staining. Please see photos for details.