Collection of Kyōka Verse with Portraits of Poets in Famous Numerical Groupings - Yashima Gakutei

A refined woodblock print from the Edo period, depicting three poets in traditional attire, accompanied by kyōka verse.

This woodblock print originates from the 'Kyōka meisū gazō shū', a collection of kyōka verse featuring portraits of poets associated with specific numerical groupings. Yashima Gakutei, a student of Totoya Hokkei and Katsushika Hokusai, produced this work during the Edo period. The print belongs to the surimono genre, which consists of privately commissioned, limited-edition prints often exchanged among members of poetry circles.

The composition depicts three figures seated on patterned floor cushions, engaged in the scholarly pursuit of poetry composition. The figures are dressed in elaborate kimono featuring repeating geometric and floral motifs, which demonstrate the high level of technical skill required for woodblock carving and printing during this era. The artist employs a balanced, flat perspective, typical of the surimono style, where the focus remains on the interplay between the calligraphic text and the figures.

Each poet is identified by name, and the accompanying kyōka verses are written in elegant kana and kanji scripts. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochre backgrounds, muted blues, and distinct red accents on the cushions and garment details. The lines are precise and controlled, defining the folds of the clothing and the facial expressions of the poets with clarity. This work provides insight into the cultural activities of the literati in early 19th-century Japan, where the fusion of visual art and literature formed a central part of social life. The print reflects the aesthetic preferences of the time, prioritising decorative harmony and refined composition over dramatic action or depth.