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Poem about Cherry Blossoms from Collection of Elegant Flowers (Reikashū), one of the Scented-Paper Fragments (Kōshi-gire)

Traditionally attributed to Kodai no Kimi Japanese
late 11th century
Not on view
Written almost entirely in kana, the anonymous poem reads:

やまざくら　あくまでいろを　みつるかな
花ちるべくも　かぜふかぬ世に

We can enjoy the colors
of wild cherry trees
to our heart’s content,
in an era when no blustery winds
will scatter the blossoms.

—Trans. John T. Carpenter

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 『麗花集』　香紙切　伝小大君筆
  • Title: Poem about Cherry Blossoms from Collection of Elegant Flowers (Reikashū), one of the Scented-Paper Fragments (Kōshi-gire)
  • Artist: Traditionally attributed to Kodai no Kimi (Japanese, active late 10th–early 11th century)
  • Period: Heian period (794–1185)
  • Date: late 11th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 8 3/16 × 4 13/16 in. (20.8 × 12.3 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 50 13/16 × 14 5/8 in. (129 × 37.1 cm)
    Overall with knobs: 50 13/16 × 16 5/16 in. (129 × 41.4 cm)
  • Classification: Calligraphy
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2018
  • Object Number: 2018.853.1
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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