Description

大田垣蓮月 Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) Japanese antique Tanzaku rectangle paper / Waka Poem むさしのの 尾花が末に~ TA103

むさしのの 尾花が末に かかれるは たがひきすてし 弓張の月
Musashino no obana ga sue ni kakare ru wa ta ga hiki sute shi yumihari no tsuki.
On Musashi Plain hanging behind the tips of pampas... Who cast up this bow this crescent moon?

大田垣蓮月 Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875)
A female poet from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period. Born in Kyoto. She was adopted by 大田垣光古 Otagaki Teruhisa, samurai who served at Chion-in Temple, when she was only 10 days old. She later married 望古 Mochihisa, the adopted son of Teruhisa. She and Mochihisa had three children, all of whom died at an early age. She also lost her husband, Mochihisa soon. At the age of 33, she lost her second husband, 古肥 Hisatoshi. She and Hisatoshi had one daughter, but the daughter and Mochiko died in 1823. She shaved her head and took the name "Rengetsuni / Nun Rengetsu". After that, Rengetsu moved from place to place and was known as "Moving house Rengetsu" because of her love of moving. After her children died, she lost her father at the age of 42 and lived a life of poverty and solitude. After her father's death, she made her own pottery with waka poems carved with nails, which was called "Rengetsu-yaki". Rengetsu-yaki was so popular as a souvenir of Kyoto, but the sales were given to the poor. She loved 富岡鉄斎 Tomioka Tessai (1837-1924) as if he were her own child. She died at the age of 85, 1875 at 神光院 Jinkoin. She excelled in waka poetry, and was also skilled in calligraphy, painting, naginata, and Go. In waka poetry, she wrote many feminine and delicate epic poems, and was good at writing plain epic poems. Rengetsu was also known for his good looks. It is said that some men approached her because of her beauty which never waned even as she grew older. There is an anecdote that she deliberately pulled out her teeth to ruin her beauty and protected herself from temptation.

with signature 'Rengetsu 78 years old' 蓮月七十八才

A rare tanzaku poem strip by the celebrated nun-poet Otagaki Rengetsu, bearing the inscription “Rengetsu, 78 years old” (蓮月七十八才). This elegant waka poem evokes the quiet beauty of Musashino Plain, with pampas grass and a crescent moon—imagery deeply rooted in classical Japanese aesthetics. Rengetsu’s brushwork is graceful and expressive, reflecting her mastery of calligraphy and poetic depth in later life. Works signed with her age are especially valued, offering insight into her mature artistic voice and personal history. A precious example of Edo–Meiji period literary art, ideal for collectors of Japanese poetry, calligraphy, and cultural heritage.

Dimensions: 2.3" W x 14.2" H / 6cm x 36.3cm

Material: Paper
Technique: Handpainted
Weight: 10g

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.

About the colors of the photos

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