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.

Minamoto no Muneyuki Ason, Poet No. 28 - Intriguing portrait of the loyal samurai Kanawa Goro Imakuni angrily pouring sake from a long-handled server onto the ground. He hunches forward with a grimace as he concentrates on his task. He wears a plaid kimono tucked into black and white checked pants, the long legs trailing beneath his feet, over a suit of armor. His bushy hair and sideburns add to his imposing appearance. The verse by the Heian era poet Minamoto no Muneyuki Ason reads:

Winter loneliness
In a mountain village grows
Only deeper, when
guests are gone, and leaves and grass
Are withered: troubling thoughts.

An interesting subject with an expressive figure and fine bokashi shading in the background.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Stitching holes at side, repaired. Slight soiling, a few spots, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.