Fujiwara No Tameie's Wife

Place: Kyoto

Death: 1283

Biography:

Fujiwara No Tameie's Wife, also known as Abutsu-ni, was a Japanese poet and nun who lived in the 13th century. She was born around 1222 and died in 1283. As a lady-in-waiting to Princess Kuni-Naishinnō, later known as Empress Ankamon-in, she played an important role in the imperial court.

Early Life and Career

Abutsu-ni was married to fellow poet Fujiwara no Tameie around 1250. She had two children with him and continued to write poetry throughout her life. After her husband's death in 1275, she became a nun and dedicated herself to her writing.

Works and Legacy

Abutsu-ni is known for her poetry, particularly her work "Izayoi nikki" (Diary of the Waning Moon), which tells the story of her journey from Kyoto to Kamakura in 1277 or 1279. Her account of this journey, told through poems and letters, provides valuable insights into the life of a Japanese woman during the medieval period. Some of her notable works include "Two Poems from the Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern, Continued (Zoku Kokin wakashū)", which can be found on Wikioo.org. This painting showcases her mastery of Japanese calligraphy and poetry.

Artistic Style and Influence

Abutsu-ni's work is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and spirituality. Her poetry often depicts scenes from nature, reflecting the Nanga school style of Japanese painting. This school, also known as Bunjinga, focused on monochrome-ink landscape styles of Chinese literati painters. Abutsu-ni's work can be compared to that of other notable Japanese poets and painters, such as "Yosa Buson", who was a prominent Japanese poet and painter. His work, "Deer in Moonlight", can be found on Wikioo.org.

• Abutsu-ni's poetry is known for its simplicity and elegance, reflecting the Nanga school style of Japanese painting.
• Her work provides valuable insights into the life of a Japanese woman during the medieval period.
• Abutsu-ni's account of her journey from Kyoto to Kamakura in 1277 or 1279 is a notable example of her writing.

Abutsu-ni's legacy can be seen in the many museums and collections that showcase her work, including the "Tokugawa Art Museum" and the "Museum of Modern Art Japan". Her poetry and paintings continue to inspire artists and scholars around the world. For more information about Abutsu-ni and other Japanese poets and painters, visit Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.