Poem by Kanke by Katsushika Hokusai

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Woodblock Prints Title: Poem by Kanke, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki)

1st Publication: 1835

Size: Horizontal oban; 25.4 x 37 cm (10 x 14 1/4 in.)

Date of this edition: 1835

Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudô)

Condition: Patch repair in the bottom of the print somewhat blending. Very Good colors and impression, poor to fair overall condition.

Notes: The print is signed Zen Saki no Hokusai Manji.

More about this print:

Kan Ke was the pen name of Sugawara no Michizane, known as a great scholar of Chinese Litterature and History, and was deified under the name of Tenjin Sama, the god of Calligraphy.

The poems reads :
Kono tabi wa, Nusa mo tori-aezu, Tamuke Yama, Momiji, Kami no mani-mani.

It translates by:
At the present time, Since no offering I could bring, See Mount Tamuke !, Here are the brocades of red leaves, at the pleasure of the god.

This is the view of the Nara temple, known for its famous maple leaves. The poet means that th eleaves are more beautiful than any brocade may bring.

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.