Horses Brought Through a Ravine to Waiting Courtiers; scene from the Tale of Ise

Mitsu futatsu Two or three shadows Tobu ka no kage ya Of mosquitoes flying— Kyo no tsuki Before the moon tonight —Kisamaro [Sanada Kikutsura]This surimono was commissioned by the feudal lord of Matsushiro in Shinano (contemporary Nagano), Sanada Yukihiro Kikutsura (1740–1815, ruled 1752–1798, pen name Kisamaro), one of a number of such daimyo who participated actively in the world of haikai poetry.In this early autumn work, a group of distinguished attendants bring three horses through a ravine towards the high-ranking courtiers waiting at the gate above. The difference in headgear marks the relative class status of these aristocratic figures. Considering the emphasis on the moon in the verse, it seems likely that these courtiers are off on a moon viewing expedition. Mosquitoes and horses are related ideas, making some connection between verse and image.