Ariwara no Narihira Ason

Here is this year's sixth print, one of the most famous poets in the entire set, Ariwara no Narihira. My reference books tell me that Narihira had quite a reputation in his day, and not just for writing poetry. He was widely accepted as being the most handsome man in town, was actually exiled at one point after an affair with the empress, and served as the model for the amorous adventurer in the old manuscript 'Ise Monogatari'. Having learned this, I rather expected to find a spicy poem reflecting these interests. Alas, I found that it was another elegy of praise to maple leaves, far and away the most common theme in the Hyaku-nin Isshu. I suppose that back in those days of unheated Japanese houses, the thought of approaching winter made everybody quite moody. Hmmm ... some things never seem to change, do they?

This print took me quite a long time to carve. The straight lines of the kimono pattern may look simple, but are actually quite difficult (for me!). It's interesting to note that the similar kimono pattern on my previous print of Dainagon Tsunenobu was done with the help of a ruler (in the original and my copy), but this month's pattern was done freehand (in both versions). Why would Inoue-san (the original carver) have changed the carving style? I don't know, but it suits me - I'm getting practice at doing it both ways!

I enjoyed choosing the colours on this print (and last month's). The original is very faded and offers no clues at all, and I can thus mix and test to my heart's content, until I find a shade that feels right. I feel a bit guilty about doing it this way though. I recently read an old book on printmaking in which the author states quite firmly that 'one must have his destination clearly in mind before leaving port'. Well, that may be so, but I can't deny that colours sometimes turn up in my mixing bowls that are nowhere near what I was trying to make, yet which are much more appealing.

What of the kimono colour on this print? Did I plan it, or simply stumble across it? Perhaps there's some things that should remain my secrets!

Please enjoy this print. Coming next, Ryozen Hoshi.

July 1991

Translation - H.H. Honda 1956 Hokuseido Press