Poems about Cherry Blossoms, one of the “Murasame Fragments” (Murasame-gire)

Traditionally attributed to Nijō Tameyo Japanese
early 14th century
Not on view
This early medieval transcription from the imperially commissioned Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern (Kokin wakashū) showcases bold, crisp calligraphy in kana, with smooth transitions between thick and thin strokes. It is one of the rare surviving Murasame-gire, literally the “Passing Shower Fragments,” named for their distinctive paper with purple-dyed patterns. These cherished fragments were often displayed at tea gatherings.

The waka begins at the sixth column from the right, reading:

ひとはいさ 心もしらず ふるさとは
花ぞ昔の かにゝほひける

As for people, I can’t plumb
what’s in their hearts,
but when in a familiar place,
the blossoms allow me to enjoy
the fragrance of the fond past.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 伝二条為世筆 『古今和歌集』 村雨切
  • Title: Poems about Cherry Blossoms, one of the “Murasame Fragments” (Murasame-gire)
  • Artist: Traditionally attributed to Nijō Tameyo (Japanese, 1250–1338)
  • Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
  • Date: early 14th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Page from a booklet mounted as a hanging scroll; ink on dyed paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 10 × 6 5/8 in. (25.4 × 16.8 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 64 9/16 × 13 7/8 in. (164 × 35.2 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 64 9/16 × 15 3/4 in. (164 × 40 cm)
  • Classification: Calligraphy
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2020
  • Object Number: 2020.396.4
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.