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.

Gon Chunagon Atsutada, Poet No. 43 - Attractive image of Lady Kenreimon-in Ukyo no Daibu sitting on a cushion next to low lacquer stand holding books and scrolls. She became a Buddhist nun after her lover Taira no Sukemori was killed during the Battle of Dan-no-ura. She rests her arm on the stands, looking up with a slight smile. She holds a folding fan and wears an intricately patterned kimono, her thick hair pulled back into a ponytail tied with cord. A string of prayer beads rests on cloth at her feet. In the distance, the top of a carriage can be seen beyond hills dotted with pine trees. The verse by tenth-century poet Gon Chunagon Atsutada reads:

I have met my love.
When I compare this present
With feelings of the past,
My passion is now as if
I have never loved before.

A lovely design from this series.

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

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

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