#265 Kana Calligraphy on a Waka by Sosei Hōshi
| Size: | approx. 37 × 25 cm (14.6 × 9.8 in) |
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| Format: | Framed |
The Poem
| Waka/Haiku: | Oshime domo, tomaranu haru mo, aru mono wo, iwanu ni ki taru, natsu goromo kana |
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| Poet: | Sosei Hōshi |
| In: | 9th–10th century |
A humble reading of the poem:
Though I wish spring would stay, it never does.
Before anyone even asks for it, summer arrives—
bringing summer robes with it.
This poem captures a feeling that is timeless: we are never ready to let go of a beautiful season, yet the next one arrives without waiting for our consent.
A Clever Wordplay Hidden in One Word
The charm of this waka lies in the word “kitaru.”
In Japanese, it carries two meanings at once:
- “Summer has come.”
- “To put on summer robes.”
This literary device, called kakekotoba (pivot word), allows a single expression to tell two stories simultaneously.
Summer arrives unexpectedly, and at the same moment, people must change into their summer clothing. The poet gently expresses both disappointment that spring has ended and reluctant acceptance that life moves forward.
Why Summer Wasn’t Always Welcome
Modern visitors often imagine Kyoto as a city of elegant temples and tranquil gardens. Yet for the aristocrats of the Heian court, summer was also known for its humid basin climate.
Court life required strict seasonal dress. Even in summer, nobles wore multiple delicate layers of silk according to court etiquette and seasonal aesthetics. Changing into natsugoromo (summer robes) was therefore more than changing clothes—it marked the unavoidable arrival of another hot season.
With quiet humor, Sosei Hōshi transforms this everyday experience into refined poetry.
Materials & Presentation
Materials: Kana calligraphy paper and hand-ground sumi ink
The delicate texture of the paper and the depth of the ink create a subtle sense of atmosphere and quiet resonance.
Framing: Custom-mounted and presented in a high-quality acrylic frame
Each work is carefully prepared to suit the character of the calligraphy. Designed to harmonize with contemporary interiors, it brings a sense of balance, refinement, and calm to the surrounding space.
（本画像はGoogleの生成ツールを用いて制作しています。）
Ink holds the seasons long after they have passed.
