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.

Fujiwara no Okikaze, Poet No. 34 - Terrific portrait of the great warrior Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, a retainer of the twelfth century Minamoto warrior Yoshinaka. After Yoshinaka's death, Kanemitsu rescued his master's son and escaped, disguised as the boatman Matsuemon. Here the boatman climbs a tree to keep watch, frowning as he spies rival Genji troops coming after him in the distance. He scowls as he shields his eyes with his hand, wearing a blue shirt with a distinctive tie-dyed pattern favored by boatmen. Pine branches frame the evening sky behind him. The poem by Fujiwara no Okikaze reads:

Who is still alive
When I have grown so old
That I can call my friends?
Even Takasago's pines
No longer offer comfort.

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