(A e 1) KAISHI, OR NOTE PAPERS, BEARING POEMS ON THE FOUR SEASONS BY COURT NOBLES
Two scrolls in a black-laquered box.
Vol. One: 36.2 cm by 348 cm.
Vol. Two: 36.2 cm by 360 cm.
Waka is the principal form of Japanese poetry, consisting
of thirty one syllables, without rhyme, but arranged in five
lines of 5-7-5-7-7 syllables. Although there are other forms,
such as longer and still shorter poems and Chinese verses,
the Japanese poetry so called is generally taken to mean
Waka. Masterpieces of olden poets and poetesses are preserved in anthologies, seldom in collections of individual
poets, and of these the oldest and the most valued is the
Manyoshu, or "Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves," compiled by Ki-no-Tsurayuki at Imperial order in the Nara period
(708,780 A.D.). After Manyoshu the most famous anthology
was Kokinshu, also compiled at Imperial order in the Heian
period (794-1154). The Manyoshu poems are characterized
by directness of diction and simplicity of sentiment, as if
charged with some impetuous or elemental force, but those
of Kokinshu are distinguished by a fineness of style, being
more artistic, if not artificial, in diction. Quite a new breath
seems to have been breathed into the Japanese poetry by a
later production of the Kamakura period, namely, Shin Kokinshu.
NEW COLLECTION OF POEMS, OLD AND NEW
The paper on which the waka was written for the perusal
of others, was of three kinds: tanjaku, or thick oblong paper
of about 3 inches by a foot; shikishi (literally, "colored
paper)" which is thick paper, of about 8 inches square with
or without ornamental designs, sometimes in gorgeous colors,
even in silver and gold; kaishi, (literally, "bosom paper")
differs from shikishi by being a little larger in size. The
two books shown here are albums containing the last mentioned variety. They contain waka composed by many urt
nobles including Prince Fushiminomiya Kunisuke. The following are the names of the poets and the themes treated.
Vol. One. Spring.
1. ONE WAKA, AN ODE TO SPRING. "The nightingale
is a friend of eternal spring." By Prince Kunisuke,
Shikibukyo (Master of ceremonies).
The prince was Fushiminomiya the Seventh, adopted
son of Go-nara Tenno. He died in 1563.
2. THREE WAKA. By Shamon Doei.
(a) The ice beginning to melt. (b) The plum resembling the snow. (c) Celebrating the festival of the
pine (in honor of long life).
3. TWO WAKA. By Asukai Masatsuna, Gon-Dainagon.
(a) Willows sprouting. (b) A sacred fetc.
Composed some time between 1538 and 1542.
4. THREE WAKA ON THE SAME SUBJECT. By Nakayama Ko, Sakon-e Gonchu-jo.
(a) The colors of flowers reflected in the moon. (b)
The spring regretted for its flowers. (c) Love enhanced
by its epistles.
Composed somewhere between 1529 and 1531.
5. ONE WAKA. "The mood of the spring floating on the
water." By Yotsutsuji Sueto, Gon-Chunagon. Composed some time between 1544 and 1550.
6. ONE WAKA. "The tortoise is symbol of perennial
youth." By Nakamikado Nobuhide.
Composed some time between 1504 and 1518.
Vol. Two. SUMMER, AUTUMN, AND WINTER
1. THREE WAKA ON "SUMMER DAY." By Sanjonishi
Kineda, Governor of Mutsu and Dewa.
(a) The dew on summer grass plants. (b) Evening
breeze. (c) The willow by the Shinto shrine.
Composed some time between 1535 and 1540.
2. THREE WAKA ON "AUTUMNAL DAY." By Sanjo
Saneka, Naidaijin.
(a) Autumn visiting the still waters. (b) The flowers
of the field among the mists. (c) Love at early dawn.
Composed some time between 1507 and 1515.
3. THREE WAKA ON THE SAME SUBJECT. By Kanroji Korenaga, Kuro-do-no-Kami Sachuben.
Composed some time between 1511 and 1518.
4. THREE WAKA ON AUTUMNAL DAY. By Reizei
Tamemitsu, Gon-Chunagon.
(a) Miyagino. (b) Evergreen woods. (c) Osaka
Barrier.
Composed some time between 1614 and 1618.
5. THREE WAKA ON WINTRY DAY. By Chuin Michitame, Gon-Chunagon.
(a) Drizzling showers, now shine, now cloudy.
(b) Cold reeds trembling by the riverside.
(c) Greeted by spring while reading.
Composed some time between 1514 and 1515.
6. THREE WAKA ON WINTRY DAY. By Yamanashi
Kototsuna, Kurano-Kami (Director of Imperial Financial
Bureau).
(a) Looking on snowy landscape.
(b) The end of the year coming upon every household.
(c) The eternal everygreen pines of the valley.
Composed some time between 1500 and 1518.
(A e 2) ALBUM OF "TANJAKU" AND "SHIKISHI"
One folded volume.
39 cm wide.
In this album are found a large number of Shikishi and Tanjaku, containing poems, written by important personages from
Emperors Gokashiwabara Tenno (1464-1526) and Goyozei Tenno
(1571-1617) to celebrities of the Meiji era (1868-1912), including members of the Royalty, aristocrats, statesmen, great scholars, poets and warriors. The following are the names of the
composers and the themes of the poems, or the first few words
of each waka.
ASAMADAKE (Early morn....) By Gokashiwabara Tenno
(103rd Emperor).
Emperor Gokashiwabara was born in 1521 and died in 1526.
WATARIKIRI (Floating mist....) By Goyozei Tenno
(106th Emperor).
The Emperor was crowned in 1586 and died in 1617.
HANAZAKARI (Flower at its best....) By Prince Katsuranomiya Tomotada.
The prince was adopted son of Gomizuno Tenno (107th
Emperor).
BLOSSOMS RESEMBLING THE SNOW. By Prince Katsuranomiya Iyehito.
The prince was adopted son of Higashiyama Tenno (112th
Emperor).
MOON ON WINTER NIGHT. By Prince Kan-in-no-miya Haruhito.
The prince was adopted son of Momozono Tenno (115th
Emperor).
SUMMER REMINISCENCES. By Prince Arisugawa-no-miya
Takahito.
The prince was adopted son of Kokaku Tenno (118th
Emperor).
AWAITING THE CUCKOO. By Asukai Masatoshi.
Masatoshi served the Emperor, Gonara Tenno, as teacher of
Waka and ball-playing. He died in Taiei 3rd year (1523).
THE FLOWERS OF MY HOME.... By Asukai Masachika
(Eiga).
Masachika published in 1465 a compilation of masterprieces
in Waka, and was an expert in calligraphy, founding a new school
after his own name.
TANABATA (The festival of July seventh).... By Anenokoji Mototsuna.
Mototsuna died in Eisho 5th year (1504).
COLD REEDS.... By Nakano-in Michimura.
Michimura was appointed Minister in 1647 and died in 1653.
He was versed in calligraphy of the Sesonji school.
THE BLOSSOMS FALLING OVER THE SCREEN.... By
Nonomiya Sadamoto.
Son of Naka-no-in Michishige, Sadamoto was author of
Honcho Kojitsu (Ceremonial Practices of Japan), and other
works. He died in 1711.
HARUKAZE NO (The vernal zephyr―) By Washio Takasumi.
Takasumi died in 1857.
STOPPING AT A MOUNTAIN RETREAT.... By Okamoto
Nobunari.
Nobunari (famous warrior) rendered good services to Ii
Naotaka in the capacity of an adviser in military science, and
was an expert in tea ceremony and flower arrangement. He died
in 1657.
NEW YEAR'S DAY. By Hagiwara Soko (Sadatoki).
Soko was author of several books, including a collection of
poems entitled "Shinono-hagusa." He died in 1784.
THE PINE ON THE DAY OF THE MOUSE. By Motoori
Norinaga.
A distinguished scholar in Japanese classics, Norinaga, born
in 1730, first studied under Kamo Mabuchi, and became the
greatest authority not only on Japanese classics and history but
on Shintoism. He died in 1801.
KOROMOGAE (wearing new clothes). By Motoori Haruniwa.
Son of Motoori Norinaga, Haruniwa followed in the footsteps of his great father, being a good scholar in the national
classics. He was also well up in waka. He died in 1828.
THE DAY OF THE MOUSE IN SNOW. By Motoori Ohira.
Ohira, a pupil of Motoori Norinaga, was adopted by him as
his son, after the death in 1828 of Norinaga's real son. Ohira
died in Tempo 4th year (1833).
HITOFUSHINI.... By Motoori Uchito.
Uchito, a pupil of Motoori Taihei, was adopted into his
family. He was on friendly terms with Kyokutei Bakin (great
novelist). He died in 1855.
THE BEGINNING OF SPRING. By Kagawa Kageki.
Kageki was not only a good scholar in Japanese classics but
one of the greatest poets in latter Tokugawa period, being identified with the "Kageki" school of poetry. He died in 1843.
THE MOON SHINING ON THE FISH NET. By Kagawa
Kageki.
"SEEING A WAYFARER UNDER A PINE TREE NEAR THE
LASHING WAVES. By Murata Harumi. "
A pupil of Kamo Mabuchi, Harumi was a scholar of Japanese
and Chinese classics, and also a good poet in waka. He died in
1811.
EXORCISING THE EVILS. By Tachibana (Kato) Chikage.
Chikage, a pupil of Kamo Mabuchi, was a noted scholar of
Japanese classics, having written a commentary on Manyoshu
and other books on literary subjects. He died in 1808.
IN CELEBRATING THE PINE FESTIVAL. By Shimizu
Hamaomi.
Hamaomi was a physician of Yedo and a good Japanese
scholar. He studied the classics under Murata Shunkai, and
wrote many books. He died in 1824.
KUMORINAKI.... (the unclouded sky.... ) By Ozaki Masayoshi.
A man of Osaka, Masayoshi was versed in Japanese and
Chinese classics, he was the author of "Gunsho Ichiran" and other
literary books. He died in 1827.
THE CUCKOO IN APRIL. By Narushima Motonao.
Motonao was proficient in Japanese and Chinese learning,
especially in Japanese classics. He rendered valuable assistance
in compiling the history of the Tokugawas ("Tokugawa Jikki"),
and was himself the author of several books. He died in 1869.
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM. By Ban Nobutomo.
A wellknown Japanese scholar, Ban wrote no less than 12
books consisting of 400 volumes, and otherwise made good
contributions in the cause of national learning. He died in 1846.
AOI-O-KAZASU.... (carrying the hollyhock). By Kamo
Suetaka.
Suetaka was a functionary of the Kamo Shrine, Kyoto, an
later came to Yedo and became a pupil of Tachibana Chikag
He died in 1842.
KISHI-NO-KOKE (The moss on the river-bank). By Koya
mada Tomokiyo.
Tomokiyo was adopted into the family of Takata Shuzaburo
a rich merchant of Yedo in 1803, was versed in Japanese an
Chinese literatures. He was reputed to own the greatest library
of his time, and was the author of a notable bibliography an
other works. After the days of Murata Shunkai and Tachibana
Chikage, he was one of the foremost scholars of his time. Wi
Hirata Atsuzane and Ban Nobutomo he formed the literary
triumvirate of the period. He died in 1847.
THE SHADOWS RISING HIGH. By Shaku Gimon.
Gimon was a famous Buddhist priest of the Ikko sect,
pupil of Moto-ori Taihei. He died in 1843.
HORSE AT SPRING EVE. By Saito Hikomaro.
AN ODE TO THE HERBS. Do.
PURIFICATION. Do.
Hikomaro acquired versatile knowledge under Ise Teijo and
studied the classics under Moto-ori Norinaga. He died in 1859.
SUMMER SHOWERS. By Suzuki Akira.
Akira was a Japanese scholar of note in the Owari fief, and
was a pupil of Moto-ori Norinaga. He died in 1837.
KAIDO. By Mutobe Yoshika.
Yoshika was a functionary of the Mukai Shrine and a pupi
of Hirata Atsuzane. He wrote a number of books.
AN ODE TO EARLY SPRING. By Fujitani Mitsue.
Mitsue was a Japanese scholar, and a skilled player on the
lyre. He wrote the "Hyakka Buruisho" (One Hundred Masters
Classified) and other works. He died in 1823.
SPRING HERBS SPROUTING HERE AND THERE. By
Mizuno Tadakuni.
Tadakuni was a famous Minister of the Tokugawa Government (appointed to the office in 1834), made himself universally
feared by his Draconian sumptuary laws.
"LINGERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS SCENTING THE DARK
AIR. By Abe Masahiro. "
Masahiro, appointed Minister of the Tokugawa Government
in 1853, was at the head of national affairs at the time of Commodore Perry's advent. A statesman of high ability, he was one
of those who, seeing the inevitable trend of world affairs, had
endeavored in the cause of signing treaties of foreign intercourse. After a distinguished official career ha died at the age
of 39.
THE FLOWERS IN THE FORBIDDEN PALACE. By Kawaji
Toshiakira.
MUSIC Do.
Toshiakira, a statesman of progressive ideas, was appointed
Minister of Finance in the Tokugawa Government in 1853, and
since the advent of Commodore Perry, exerted himself chiefly
in the administration of foreign affairs. In 1868, after retiring
from his high office, he committed suicide as a protest, it is
believed, against the Government policy.
SATO KINUTA (Village Fulling-Block). By Hanawa Tadayoshi.
Tadayoshi was a son of the famous blind scholar, Hanawa
Hokinoichi, and a notable scholar of Japanese classics. On his
way home from a visit to the residence of a Minister of the
Government, he was assassinated by a ronin in 1863.
NURSING THE SILK WORM. By Ajiro Hirokata.
Hirokata was a functionary of the great Ise Shrine, and a
notable scholar of Japanese classics. He was also a prolif
author, and died in 1856.
THE MAPLE FOLIAGE. By Nonoguchi (Okuni) Takamasa.
Takamasa was a samurai in the Tsuwano fief of Sekishu,
He was a good Japanese scholar, had once studied under Hirata
Atsuzane, and wrote many books. He died in 1871.
THE GDDS. By Suzuki Shigetane.
A pupil of Okuni Takamasa, and later studying under Hirata
Atsuzane, he earned a high reputation by writing the substantial
work, "Nihon Shokiden." He fell a victim to an assassin's sword
in 1863.
THE SUMMER SHOWER CLEARED. By Date Chihiro.
Chihiro, Minister of Finance in the domestic administration
of the Kii fief, was discharged on account of his donwright and
outspoken temperament, underwent the Zen practices at the Sokoku-ji temple. He studied versification under Moto-ori O-hira,
and distinguished himself as a poet of no mean order. He died
in 1877.
A WAKA. By Kurokawa Harumura.
Shunson was a devotee of Kyo-ka (comic poetry) and earned
the title "Asakusa-an the third." In his later years he gave up
Kyo-ka and became a pupil of Kariya Ekisai, studying Japanese
classics and waka, and won high distinction as a composer of
waka. He died in 1866.
THE MIDNIGHT MOON. By Kurokawa Mayori.
Mayori was an acknowledged authority on Japanese classics,
who had made invaluable contributions to the cause of national
learning. He was honored professor at Imperial University,
Tokyo. He died in 1906.
EARLY SPRING MISTS. By Tanimori Tanematsu (Yoshiomi).
Tanematsu was a pupil of Ban Nobutomo. Deploring the
delapidated. condition of many an Imperial mausoleum, he wrote
the "Shoryo-cho," (Notes on Various Mausoleums), and other
books. He died in 1911.
THE HOLLYHOCK HERB. By Date Muneaki.
The lord of the Uwajima fief of Iyo Province, Muneki
rendered valuable services in the cause of the Imperial Restoration. Later he served the Meiji Government, especially in its
diplomatic service, and left behind him an honored memory. He
died in 1892.
SENDING THE 'SOYASHU'. By Date Muneaki.
THE WILLOW ON A BECLOUDED NIGHT. By Matsudaira
Kakudo (Naritami).
Son of Tokugawa Iyenari, the Shogun, Kakudo was adopted
by Matsudaira Naritaka, lord of Tsuyama clan.
THE CRANES FLYING FROM THE SAND-BANK. By
Matsudaira Katamori.
Katamori was the lord of Aizu clan, one of the staunch supporters of the Tokugawa Government, was appointed Governor
of Kyoto in 1863. When the Shogunate fell, he put up the
last valiant fight against the Imperialists. He died in 1893.
AWAITING THE CUCKOO. By Fukuda Gyokai.
Gyokai was a famous Buddhist priest of the Jodo sect, dying
in 1881.
SUMMER SHOWERS. By Fukuba Bisei.
Bisei was a samurai belonging to the Tsuwano fief of Sekishu.
He studied Japanese and Chinese classics under Okuni Takamasa,
played an important part in affairs of the State at the time
of the Restoration. He memorialized the Meiji Government on
important national policy.
THE PEACH. By Iwakura Tomomi.
Tomomi was a colossus among the Kyoto nobles of the preRestoration days. He took a very active part in the great
political drama of 1868, earning the well-deserved fame of being
one of the builders of New Japan. He enjoyed the full confidence
of the Meiji Tenno, visited America and Europe as Japan's first
Ambassador to investigate Western civilization in 1873.
THE CUCKOO. By Tokudai-ji Sanenori.
Sanenori had served the Meiji Emperor as his Grand Chamberlain, as Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, and also as Minister
of the Household. He died in 1919.
BOTH HILL AND DALE. By Aritomo Yamagata.
A distinguished soldier statesman, and one of the Genro
("elder statesmen"), Aritomo was deservedly called re-organizer
of the Japanese military system, and earned the highest honors
both in peerage and military ranks, holding the titles of Prince
and Marshal, etc. He was versed in waka and calligraphy. He
died in 1922.
LOVE APPEALED TO THE MIRROR. By Kuribara Shinju
(Ryu-an).
Shinju was a low-grade retainer of the Tokugawa household,
a pupil of Yashiro Koken. Being versed in classical learning,
he wrote lectures on "Ryo-no-gige" (commentary on the classic
laws) and other books. He died in 1870.
FUJISAN (Mount Fuji). By Hori Hidenari.
Hidenari was a notable scholar in prosody and grammar,
having written many books on the subjects. He died in 1888.
HAGI FLOWERS FLUTTERING TO THE WIND. By Gonda
Naosuke.
Naosuke was medical practitioner by profession, his family
being of that profession for generations. He early became pupil
of Hirota Atsutane, studying the ways of the gods and the ancient
Emperors with the result that he became a jealous Imperialist
and made great endeavors in the cause of loyalty to the throne.
He died in 1887.
ON BASHO. By Fukuzumi Masae.
The master of a wellknown hotel at Yumoto, a hot-spring resort
of Hakone, Masae was a disciple of Ninomiya Sontoku. He was
versed in waka, and had several literary works to his credit. He
died in 1892.
REMINISCENCES. By Sen-ke Takahiro.
A descendant of Izumo Koku-zo, a very old family, Takahiro
was a Shinto priest of the Great Shrine of Izumo. A good
Japanese scholar, he was also well versed in waka. He died in
1872.
A SENTIMENT. By Suzuki Matoshi.
Matoshi studied under Kuribara Ryuan, and was the author
of the "Seishi Zokukai" (popular Explanation on Family Names).
He died in 1894.
SHIKISHI
(A e 3) AN ALBUM OF WAKA SHIKISHI
By Konoe Nobutada.
25.8 cm by 303.8 cm.
Nobutada, scion of one of the five greatest court
nobles, in Kyoto, was a master of calligraphy, being counted,
with Hon-ami Koetsu and Shokado, among the three great
calligraphists of his time. He died in 1614.
(A e 4) SANBU-SHO
(Extracts from three books).
Being a book containing choice extracts from the three
celebrated books of Fujiwara Sadaiye, a famous waka poet of
Kamakura period, namely, "Eika Taigai," "Miraiki," " Uchuin." The first-mentioned was written by Mimuroto Seiko, the
second by Imadegawa Koretoshi and the third by Asukai
Masatoyo. The calligraphist was a court noble of the period
of Genroku or Hoei (early 18th century). The book may be
taken as a good illustration of the custom, prevailing in those
days, of setting great value on specimens of fine calligraphy
as well as on waka, it being a typical book bound in an artistic
style, containing masterpieces of waka written in a beautiful
style.
(A e 5) "GESSEISHO" AND "SHUGYOKUSHO"
One scroll.
Gesseisho is a collection of waka by Fujiwara Yoshitsune who died in Ken-ei 1st year (1206), 38 years old.
Shugyokusho is a collection of waka by the priest Jichin
who died in Karoku 1st year, 71 years old.
GESSEISHO SHUGYOKUSHO
One scroll.
29.8 cm by 405 cm.
A book of waka.
(A e 6) O-GIMACHI YOSHIMINE-EISO
(Poems composed by O-gimachi).
With comments by Reigen Tenno. One sheet.
(A e 7) TACHIBANA GHIKAGE'S POEM
Wagakadono.... One roll.
95 cm by 28 cm. Mounted: 160 cm by 35.8 cm.
(A e 8) A SHEET OF PAPER, FAN-SHAPED, BEARING A KYOKA BY KYOKADO MAGA-HO
(Originally forming one side of a folding fan.)
Kyoka is a species of waka (31-syllable poem), having
developed from the waka. Its chief characteristics as distinguished from the waka, are its humorous or comic character, its freedom from the rules and traditions to which the
waka is subject. It may best be characterized as 31-syllable
comic verse. Kyoka, untramelled by difficult rules of waka
composition, have a remarkable freedom in expression, and it
generally treats of the lighter or ludicrous side of human
affairs, and often in a satirical humor. Kyoka was known to
have been composed during -Kamakura and Ashikaga periods
(1186-1573), but it had attained the zenith of popularity during the Tokugawa period (1603-1867), especially among the
plebeian classes. Shingan, a merchant of Yedo, was a master
composer of Kyoka verses. He died in 1839, 7O years old.
(A e 9) ONE HUNDRED RENGA
One scroll.
18.5 cm by 841.5 cm.
Renga, literally, affiliated poem, is the form of waka, 31
syllable poem, of which the first hemistich is composed by
one person and the latter hemistich by another at a sort o
poetical tournament participated in by a number of poets.
The usual form of this poetry contest is that the latter
hemistich is first set to which the contestant is challenged to
add the first hemistich and complete a poem.
The present scroll contains the result of two renga contest meetings, held on September 12 and October 5, 1616, and
the marks of good and bad by Shotaku (master) may be seen,
indicating the merits of each renga. Shotaku was an expert
in renga, being son of Satomura Shohitsu of Kyoto, a great
master in the art. He wrote "Ruidai Meisho Waka-shu."
