'Hyakunin Isshu zukō kokura no nishiki' 百人一首図考 小倉のにしき (Illustrated Study of the Hyakunin Isshu - Hajime Iida 飯田始晃 - Japan

'Hyakunin Isshu zukō kokura no nishiki' 百人一首図考 小倉のにしき (Illustrated Study of the Hyakunin Isshu: - Hajime Iida 飯田始晃 - Japón

The first illustration corresponds to a traditional Japanese woodcut representing Poem number 38 of the famous classic anthology Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首), compiled by Fujiwara no Teika. The visual work comes from the orihon-style illustrated album titled Hyakunin Isshu zukō ogura no nishiki (百人一首図考 小倉のにしき), created in 1935 by the artist Shikō Iida (飯田始晃)

Details of the Poem and its Author: The text, calligraphed vertically on the right, depicts the Heian-era poetess known as Ukon (右近). Japanese text: 右近わするらば 唯のちのちの ちをもすれ人の命の をしうもあるかな. Approximate translation: “If you are to forget me, so be it; I do not care about the divine retribution that may befall you for breaking your vow. What truly grieves and pains me is seeing your own life wither away through the loss of love.”
Artistic Composition: The image captures a refined courtly aesthetic through a distinctive geometric contrast: Left (Foreground): Depicts the luxurious, multi-layered ceremonial robes of a noble court lady (*jūnihitoe*) alongside elaborate folding fans, set against a deep crimson background. Right (Open background): Shows an outdoor garden at night where autumn flowers (such as wild chrysanthemums) bloom behind a delicate, semi-transparent curtain, framed by dark hills beneath the cloak of night.


The second illustration shows an original Japanese print titled *Hyakunin Isshu zukō ogura no nishiki* (百人一首図考 小倉のにしき), Volume 2, originally published in 1935 by the prestigious Kyoto-based publisher Unsōdō. The artistic design and illustration for this work were created by the Shōwa-era master Shikō Iida (飯田始晃).
Work Details: Subject Matter: It is part of a series of volumes inspired by the *Ogura Hyakunin Isshu*, the famous classical anthology of one hundred poems by one hundred poets. The traditional calligraphy visible on the right corresponds to a poem by the renowned poet Ki no Tomonori (紀友則), whose name clearly appears at the head of the vertical lines (Ki no Tomo-nori - 紀友則). Visual Elements: The scene poetically illustrates the author's verses, depicting in the foreground an elegantly decorated *gishi*—a classic Japanese aristocratic palanquin—beside a spring stream, set against a backdrop of wildflowers and cherry blossoms (*sakura*) on gentle hills.
The poem calligraphed on the print is by the renowned author Ki no Tomonori. It is poem number 33 in the famous imperial anthology *Ogura Hyakunin Isshu* (and originally number 84 in the *Kokin Wakashū*, compiled in the year 905). Text in *romaji* (reading): *Hisakata no / hikari nodokeki / haru no hi ni / shizu-gokoro naku / hana no chiruran* Translation: A faithful and poetic translation of these verses is: "In this serene light / of a radiant sun / on spring days, / why do the cherry blossoms / scatter with such a restless heart?"
Meaning and Symbolism: This poem is a masterpiece of classical Japanese literature and perfectly embodies spring melancholy through two fundamental contrasts: The contrast of nature: The author describes an idyllic spring day where the sky glows with a soft, peaceful, and eternal light (*hikari nodokeki*). Yet, amidst that absolute peace, the cherry blossoms (*sakura*) fall hurriedly and en masse, as if possessing a "restless" or anguished heart (*shizu-gokoro naku*). The concept of *Mono no Aware*: The poem encapsulates the Japanese sentiment of empathy toward objects and ephemeral beauty. It expresses a sweet sadness: precisely when the weather is at its most beautiful and perfect, the flowers choose to die and fall away, reminding us that ultimate beauty and life itself are fleeting. The print by Shikō Iida visually captures this scene. One sees the background featuring hills and cherry trees shedding their white petals, while the abandoned imperial palanquin suggests that the aristocrats have stepped out solely to sit and contemplate this moving, melancholic natural spectacle.

Both illustrations are enhanced with metallic inks (gold and silver).
Works with some foxing (see the photos).
Second-hand.


Please refer to the provided photographs for a better understanding of the item´s condition.
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