Hakurei gakuhyō (Pleasurable critiques by the Hakurei)

US$480.00

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Hakurei gakuhyō ["Pleasurable critiques by the Hakurei"]

[Creator unidentified].

[Tōkyō?: Hakureisō-ren, ca. late Edo to early Meiji period (1770-1870s)?].

A carved woodblock used to print advertisements for a poetry competition. The text seems to invite submissions for the contest, which is to be judged by Senryū Sōshō (possibly Karai Senryū (1718-1790), the founder of the form of haiku poetry known as senryū, or one of his descendants). The illustration of a tree is a no-so-subtle nod to Senryū's name, which means "willow". The due date for submissions (just the day - the month would have been handwritten after printing and the year unnecessary), the cost of submission, the type of poems accepted (randai juku), and the names of helpers are included. The competition may have been sponsored and managed by the Hakureisō-ren group of poetry enthusiasts. A woodblock providing rare insight into the process of gathering poems for competitions. 

One woodblock, carved on one side. Minor loss to woodblock extremities, slightly affecting area used to print frame. A few other chips and nicks to carved surface and block verso. One large cut inside carved area, presumed intentional and not affecting printed image. Comes with image printed from block. Block measures 16.5 x 25.4 cm; carved area for printing measures 14.3 x 19.9 cm.

Hakurei gakuhyō (Pleasurable critiques by the Hakurei)
Price: $480.00 (USD)