Tenji Tenno (The Emperor Tenji), first poet in the series One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse
c. 1835/36
Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾 北斎 Japanese, 1760-1849 Publisher: Hibino Yohachi Japanese, unknown
Japan
Emperor Tenji (628–681) reigned from 668 to 671, during which he established Japan’s first code of civil law. This scene is based on the story that while the emperor was traveling in the countryside, a sudden shower forced him to take shelter in a flimsy, temporary hut in a rice field. His poem expresses his sympathy for his subjects who must work and endure every day under such conditions.
Course the rush-mat roof
Sheltering the harvest hut
Of the autumn rice field—
And my sleeves are growing wet
With the moisture dripping through.
(Translated by Clay MacCauley)
Color woodblock print; yoko oban