Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Poem by Archbishop Henjo

The Property of a Gentleman Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) Poem by Archbishop Henjo Edo period, 19th century woodblock print, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki), signed Saki no Hokusai Manji (Manji, the former Hokusai), censor's seal kiwame (approved), published by Iseya Sanjiro (Eijudo), circa 1835-36 Horizontal oban: 25.5 x 37.2cm The poem by Archibishop Henjo (Yoshimine no Munesada, 816-890) has been translated by Peter MacMillan in One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse, (London, 2016), p. 17: Breezes of Heaven, blow closed the pathway through the clouds to keep a little longer these heavenly dancers from returning home. Ama tsu kaze kumo no kayoiji fukitojiyo otome no sugata shibashi todomen

Condition Report:
Good impression, some fading to colours, toned, faint vertical centrefold, each edge of the print affixed to the backing board (it has not been possible to examine the reverse of the print), a small hole patched from verso to the centre of the print, slight soiling and rubbing, a few nicks and some wear to edges, a few pinholes, a few small paper losses.