Hyakunin Isshu: Meet the Poets
Ise no Taifu

Meaning

The ancient eightfold cherry blossoms of Nara — today they bloom gloriously in the ninefold imperial palace.

Commentary

"Eight-layered" (yae) refers to the double-blossomed variety of cherry; "nine-fold" (kokonoe) is a poetic name for the many-layered imperial palace, symbolizing the present court in Kyoto. The poem celebrates the blossoms' journey from the ancient capital to the present one, linking past glory to living splendor.

Ise no Taifu was a court lady and accomplished poet. This poem is said to have been composed on the spot when she received a branch of double cherry blossoms from Nara as a gift to present to Empress Shōshi. Her quick improvisational skill won wide admiration throughout the court.

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