Poem by Fujiwara no Michinobu Ason, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki)

Katsushika Hokusai Japanese

Not on view

One of Hokusai's favorite themes, travelers setting out at the first blush of dawn, is the perfect vehicle for this love poem by Fujiwara Michinobu Ason (972–994):

Akenureba
kururu mono to wa
shirinagara
naho ayashiki
asaborake ka na.

Although I know morning will bring
another evening for our love
I still resent the dawn

Poem by Fujiwara no Michinobu Ason, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki), Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)), Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan

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