The Maier Museum of Art
at Randolph College

“Yoshitoshi” (5 Poems) by Chris Doss

Yoshitoshi (aka Tsukioka Yoshitoshi) (1839 – 1892), unknown, ca. 1850, woodcut on paper.

Yoshitoshi (aka Tsukioka Yoshitoshi) (1839 – 1892), unknown, ca. 1850, woodcut on paper. Collection of the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College, founded as Randolph-Macon Woman’s College.

after Non-American Works Japanese Woodblock prints

Yoshitoshi

The sleepy winter fields awaken with the roar of our souls.
Spears of bamboo rip and claw at those too proud to run.
Pillars of earth and heaven shake as we paint the snow.
Honor is now the only thing as I embrace the next life.

 

 

 

 

 

Yoshiiku (aka Utagawa Yoshiiku) (1833 – 1904), unknown, ca. 1861-1862, woodcut on paper.

Yoshiiku (aka Utagawa Yoshiiku) (1833 – 1904), unknown, ca. 1861-1862, woodcut on paper. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Wright (Mary Stigall ’35), 1967.

Yoshiiku

Flickering lamps glow with a softness of a mother’s touch.
The air is sweet and cool as it rolls off the sea.
Mountains and forest all fade in the darkness of night.
The songs of a past love call out to my heart.

 

 

 

 

 

Hiroshige (aka Utagawa Hiroshige)(1797 – 1858), “Mishima, asagiri, from Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no ichi,” ca. 1841-1842, woodcut on paper.

Hiroshige (aka Utagawa Hiroshige)(1797 – 1858), “Mishima, asagiri, from Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no ichi,” ca. 1841-1842, woodcut on paper. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Wright (Mary Stigall ’35), 1967.

Mishima Asagiri

As we travel this world people become only shades.
Moving shadows cast upon the same path by fate.
Even the road fades away in the fog of life.

 

 

 

 

Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (aka Utagawa Kunisada)(active 1786 – 1865), unknown, ca. 1844-1853, woodcut on paper.

Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (aka Utagawa Kunisada)(active 1786 – 1865), unknown, ca. 1844-1853, woodcut on paper. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Wright (Mary Stigall ’35), 1967.

Kunisada

Alone under the cherry tree.
Soft pink flowers hang.
Their scent takes my mind away.

 

 

 

 

 

Hokusai (aka Katsushika Hokusai) (1760 – 1849), “Soshu Tonegawa, from the series Chie-no-umi (Oceans of Wisdom),” ca. 1832-1833, woodcut on paper.

Hokusai (aka Katsushika Hokusai) (1760 – 1849), “Soshu Tonegawa, from the series Chie-no-umi (Oceans of Wisdom),” ca. 1832-1833, woodcut on paper. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Wright (Mary Stigall ’35), 1967.

Soshu Tonegawa

The seas welcome me.
Waves push and fight against my will.
My boat dances:
caught in the embrace of the north winds.