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Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire)

Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori Japanese
early 12th century
Not on view
This work has traditionally been attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori, who was instrumental in establishing an orthodox form of Japanese courtly calligraphy. More likely, an unknown courtier or court lady of the later Heian period expertly transcribed the two poems seen here. The calligraphy is graceful yet firm, with smooth kana strokes devoid of flamboyant ligatures.
Both poems are from the Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern (Kokin wakashū)
and address themes of palace gossip and romance. One reads:

さとひとの　ことはなつのゝ　しけくとも
かれゆく　きみに　あはざらめやは

Though the rumors people spread
are as rank as the summer fields,
how could I cope
if your love for me withered
and we could not meet?

—Trans. John T. Carpenter

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 伝藤原定頼筆　『古今和歌集』　大江切
  • Title: Two Poems about Palace Gossip, one of the “Ōe Fragments” (Ōe-gire)
  • Artist: Traditionally attributed to Fujiwara no Sadayori (Japanese, 995–1045)
  • Period: Heian period (794–1185)
  • Date: early 12th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Page from a bound booklet mounted as a hanging scroll; ink on mica paper with gold flecks
  • Dimensions: Image: 8 1/4 × 5 1/8 in. (21 × 13 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 43 1/2 × 17 3/8 in. (110.5 × 44.1 cm)
  • Classification: Calligraphy
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.398.6
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Three poems from the “Later Collection of Japanese Poems” (Gosen wakashū), known as the “Karasumaru Fragment” (Karasumaru-gire), Fujiwara no Sadayori Japanese, Page from book, mounted as hanging scroll; ink on paper, Japan
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