[36 Poems by 36 Haikai Poets]

19. [36 Poems by 36 Haikai Poets]. N.p. C. 1900-1920. 30.4 x 26.5cm volume string-bound Japanese-style, fukuro-toji with olive green brocade covers. The blank title slip is mounted on the top left of the front cover. The inner wrappers are covered in gold-flecked paper and the free endpapers appear to be laid paper. [18] cho with an image of a poet and a poem in Japanese calligraphy on each page for a total of [36] pages. The images are in black with a light wash of peach, green and gray on heavy Japanese paper with a poem and poet's name in sumi ink. Each one has the same red hanko by the artist, likely Kashō 霞樵. Kashō was one of the pen names of the (truncated) established calligrapher and painter Ike no Taiga 池大雅 (1723 - 1776) and this could be an ode to his work. The poet depicted on the final page appears to be the haiku poet Hattori Tohō 服部土芳 (1657-1730), a protege of legendary haiku poet Bashō 松尾芭蕉 (1644-94).

A delightful rendition of the theme of "36 poems by 36 poets," done with a whimsical feel. Likely about 1900-1920 by a skilled amateur. Slight wear to covers, string is snapped at top. (Inventory #: 91008)