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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

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