Word and image

[wongkk.livejournal.com]

Here is another poem from the classic Japanese verse anthology hyaku nin isshiu, collected in 1235.  This time, the poem is written by one of the four court poets charged by Emperor Daigo to compile the kokinshu, the first of the imperial poetry collections.   

The Japanese text of the poem was very kindly provided by excused_early  to whom this piece is dedicated:  I hope that I have not spoiled your favourite poem for you!

The image of Gackt is courtesy of and presumed copyright to Cool up magazine Vol 29, July 2010.  The photograph of the cherry blossom is my own, taken in Japan last year.

The poet who wrote the words was tomonori ki (c.850 – c. 904);  here is an imagined picture of him, drawn by kikuchi yosai.

Comments

[wongkk.livejournal.com]

Yes, indeed. It would be good if some others discovered the endless amusement of finding that Gackt can always provide you with the perfect face or pose for the poem you've chosen!

Ha - it's so astonishing that I scarcely sleep for following up links and unmissable photos and footage (last night it was Venetian carnival masks and their making, for no particular reason! Or perhaps the reason was that I was wanting to party for Gackt's birthday)

[karadin.livejournal.com]

Were you interested in Venetian carnvial masks because Gackt has one? I know they celebrate Carnival all over the world, noteably Rio, but I would really like to go to Venice instead.

[wongkk.livejournal.com]

Sadly no. My interest was far more shallow than that - I was just comparing some of the details with the Versailles costumes. And they are all gorgeous to look at, of course.

That would be a great trip (Venice). I hope that, one day, you get the leisure and the resources to go - with or without a mask of your own.

[karadin.livejournal.com]

maybe that's another challenge someday.