Akazome Emon, Poet No. 59, circa 1847

One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets - Lovely design from Toyokuni III's series pairing beauties with Japan's famous "One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets," an anthology featuring classical verses. Each features a beauty in a scene from daily life, in one of two different formats. One style features a decorative shaded border running across the top of the page. The title cartouche takes the form of an open book, with a portrait of the featured poet on one page and the accompanying poem on the other page. The second format includes a text cartouche shaped like an unrolled scroll, with small rectangular insets featuring the poet's portrait and poem. A charming beauty series, nicely detailed.

Akazome Emon, Poet No. 59, circa 1847 - The poem by the Heian era poet Lady Akazome Emon reads:

Better to have slept
Care-free, than to keep vain watch
Through the passing night,
Till I saw the lonely moon
Traverse her descending path.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Stitching holes at side, some prints have small losses at edges, wormholes, or thinning spots, repaired. Wrinkling, toning, soiling, staining. Please see photos for details.