Semi Maru

In the way that I have arranged the hundred poets, the fourth print each year is one of the priests, and this time it is the famous blind biwa player, Semi Maru. My history books tell me he was the son of a ninth century emperor, but was not able to take the throne in his turn due to his condition. But he now enjoys a reputation for his music and poetry that is probably far greater than that which he would have if he had indeed actually become an emperor.

For many people, this poem is one of the best in the set, describing the scene at a famous barrier gate on one of the old highways. Sometimes I don't understand these Japanese poems so well, but I have no trouble enjoying this picture - the sight-less eyes of the poet looking off into space and seeing ..... nothing? ... everything?

The carving of the calligraphy was the most difficult part for me when making this month's print. (It certainly wasn't the kimono patterns!) Shunsho used varying thicknesses of strokes when copying out the poems in his book, and this is one of the most delicately drawn. At times during the carving, I tried holding my breath to avoid jarring the knife. Unfortunately, that just made my heart pound, bouncing my arm even more!

I hope you enjoy this peaceful print. Coming up next - Kiyohara no Motosuke.

Summer 1989

Translation - William Porter 1909