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Description

与謝蕪村 Yosa Buson (1716-1784) Japanese antique art Drawing Picture Album / Haiku and Eight Poets OW444

与謝蕪村 Yosa Buson (1716-1784)
Haiku poet and painter of the mid-Edo period. Yosa Buson is famous as one of the three great masters of haikai (Haiku poets) in the Edo period, along with 松尾芭蕉 Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) and 小林一茶 Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828). Born into a farming family, he lost his parents when he was a teenager and set out for Edo (now Tokyo) at the age of 20. In Edo, he learned haikai from 早野巴人 Hayano Hajin (1676-1742). After his master's death, he traveled around Kanto and Oshu, and then moved to Kyoto. His haikai style is full of realism, romance, and lyricism, and he became a central figure in the haikai circles of the middle age. He is also an excellent painter, and along with 池大雅 Ike no Taiga (1723-1776), is considered a great master of literati painting.

with signature 'Buson' 蕪村

This charming and humorous series of drawings appears to present a playful reinterpretation of the classical theme of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (Sanjūrokkasen), a famous group of poets traditionally celebrated in Japanese literary culture. Rather than depicting them in a formal courtly manner, the figures are rendered in a light, almost caricature-like style, accompanied by handwritten verses that resemble haikai poetry. The relaxed brushwork, simplified forms, and expressive faces suggest a witty and satirical spirit, as if the dignified poets of classical tradition were reimagined through the lens of Edo-period haikai culture. Such humorous transformations of classical subjects were highly appreciated among haikai circles, where poetry, painting, and playful literary references were closely intertwined. Each figure is drawn with lively ink lines and delicate touches of color, the robes and gestures exaggerated in a manner that evokes both affection and gentle parody. The accompanying calligraphy flows freely across the page, reinforcing the impression that the artist sought to capture not only the personalities of the poets but also the spontaneous spirit of haikai composition itself. Works of this kind reflect the refined yet playful intellectual environment in which Buson and his contemporaries operated, where classical literature was not merely revered but also creatively reinterpreted. Viewed today, the drawings convey a sense of intimacy with Edo-period poetic culture. One can easily imagine them being appreciated in a gathering of poets and literati, where guests would smile at the humorous portrayal of the ancient masters while reading the verses written beside them. The series stands as a delightful fusion of poetry, satire, and brushwork, embodying the elegance and wit that characterize the artistic world associated with Yosa Buson.

Dimensions: 6.4" W x 8.5" D x 0.7" H / 16.5cm x 21.7cm x 2cm

Material: Mulberry Paper
Technique: Handpainted

Weight: 320g

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: STAIN a little, DAMAGE a little.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

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Picture Album

富岡鉄斎 Tomioka Tessai (1837-1924) Japanese antique art Picture Album / Small Works - Sansui Landscape VA704

与謝蕪村 Yosa Buson (1716-1784) Japanese antique art Drawing Picture Album / Haiku and Eight Poets OW444