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.

Saigyo Hoshi (The Monk Saigyo), Poet No. 86 - Attractive kabuki scene featuring the warrior monk Benkei and Shizuka gozen, the mistress of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Benkei kneels with a puzzled expression, holding his finger to his mouth. He wears a voluminous black kamishimo patterned with Buddhist prayer wheels over a red kimono with a similar design. The beauty gently rests one hand on his sleeve, smiling slightly as she looks down. Two large swords fill the background. The verse by the featured poet, the 12th century monk Saigyo, reads:

Should I blame the moon
For bringing forth this sadness,
As if it pictured grief?
Lifting up my troubled face,
I regard it through my tears.

An interesting subject with soft shading in the background.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Small hole, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details.