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.

Hosshoji Nyudo Saki no Kanpaku Daijo-daijin, Poet No. 76 - Terrific design of the actor Nakamura Utaemon IV in character as the robber Hakamadare Yasusuke. He wears a black robe over his gray kimono, a large woven trunk strapped to his back with rope. He looks over his shoulder in surprise, his eyes wide and mouth agape. A great image with the voluminous robes adding to the imposing appearance of the rogue. Beautifully detailed with a burnished scroll pattern in the robe and soft shading in the background. The verse by the featured poet, Hosshoji Nyudo Saki no Kanpaku Daijo-daijin (also known as Fujiwara no Tadamachi), reads:

Over the wide sea
As I sail and look around,
It appears to me
That the white waves, far away,
Are the ever shining sky.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Slight thinning at corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few spots and creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.