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.

Nijo-in no Sanuki, Poet No. 92, circa 1847 - Interesting scene from the bunraku puppet version of the play "Kanadehon Chushingura," based on the true story of the 47 ronin. In this illustration, the beauty Orie encounters her estranged husband, the ronin Yazama Jutaro, on the street. He is smuggling swords for the vendetta, wrapped in a straw mat under his arm, and he glares at her angrily. She has sold herself to a brothel to support his parents, and urges him to return home. She cowers behind her kimono sleeve, unaware that she is interrupting his secret mission and distraught that he will not accept her invitation. Snow falls quietly against the softly shaded winter sky, covering the ground and the willow branches framing the scene. The poem by Nijo-in no Sanuki (Lady Sanuki) reads:

Like a rock at sea,
At ebb-tide hidden from view,
Is my tear-drenched sleeve:
Never for a moment dry,
And no one knows it is there.

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. Stitching holes at side, thinning at edge, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, slight rubbing at edges, a few small marks. Please see photos for details.