Morning Glory Shack :: Haiku of Japan #43
朝顔の花で葺たる庵哉
asagao no hana de fukitaru iori kana
covered with
morning glories...
my small shack
—Issa
(Tr. David LaSpina)
(Print by Koson Ohara)
Despite the tragedy of his life, Issa could see the joy in just about everything. Here he seems to have discovered a natural treasure in the very roof of his tiny house—beautiful morning-glories!
Morning glories have been a much loved flower in Japan since being introduced from China around 1200 years ago. When Europe took them from Japan in the 19th century, they were called "The Japanese Morning-Glory". It is loved so much in Japan that they lead the world in developing different variates of the flower, numbering in the hundreds at this point.
It is considered an autumn kigo. Like us, the flower starts the day bright and beautiful but fades as the day goes on; autumn often has the same association, that of the beginning of the end, when things start to fade and wither. It is a season when we can feel the transience of life the most.
Don't miss other great haiku in the Haiku of Japan series!
#1–10 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #1
#11–20 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #2
#21–30 — Haiku of Japan :: Collection #3
#31 — Am I a Butterfly or a Man?
#32 — Hidden Grey Hair
#33 — Sleeping Butterfly
#34 — Never To Grow Old
#35 — From Dog to Cat
#36 — Short Night
#37 — Silent Moon
#38 — Temple Pine Needles
#39 — Nothing and Everything
#40 — Stubborn Scarecrow
#41 — Falling Camellia
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I post one photo everyday, as well as a haiku and as time allows, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.
 | David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time. |
This is a nice haiku and I love the print that you put along with it. Did this artist paint this picture with this particular haiku in mind? Also I'm all about trying to see the joy in everything!
Great question. We don't know. This is actually a woodblock print, not a painting, and carvers are famously silent on pretty much everything, including motivation behind any particular print. Many woodblock prints were inspired by poetry, so it is possible. So... maybe :)
Glad to hear you can see the joy in everything! I try as well. It's a good way to live.
Wow, a woodblock print; that's impressive! Thanks for the info.
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Hello @dbooster,
This was a nice haiku to reference, and I appreciate your commentary on the author and the meaning of the morning glory. Thank you for providing something refreshing c:
With love,
shello
Thanks for stopping by @shello. I'm glad you enjoyed the haiku. I love doing these posts, so I am happy when folks enjoy them. Cheers :)
Thank you again! This is easy reading and I like the peaceful-styled theme many of your posts have. We learn a little bit on poetry and Japan everyday :D
beautiful.. I love the Japanese pictures... I had one I bought but it was destroyed in a house fire.
They are lovely, aren't they? I'm not sure what it is exactly, but I adore these woodblock prints. Thats unfortunate you lost yours. I hope you can get another in the future.
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