Paper short abstract:

This presentation focuses on Wakan Meisho Shikaawase (1272), a selection of kanshi and waka composed on the subject of famous places (meisho) of China and Japan. I will explore the characteristics of meisho, the specificities of waka and kanshi’ in this regard, and their connection with later works.

Paper long abstract:

Famous places (meisho) have been emphasized in Japanese literature and have been included in a wide variety of works. In particular, in Japanese-style poetry (waka), there is an extensive use of utamakura, names of famous places linked to specific associations or sentiments. Similarly, in Chinese-style poetry (kanshi), we also commonly find names of places that have become well known through their inclusion in poems and evoke unique images. Most of the existing studies focus either on meisho in waka poetry or on meisho in kanshi poetry, but here, I will attempt to take up both at the same time. To this end, I chose to focus on Wakan Meisho Shiikaawase (Fujiwara no Motoie, about 1272), a work which uncharacteristically includes both kanshi and waka composed on the subject (dai) of Chinese famous places as well as Japanese famous places.

With this work as my research’s object, I will examine the characteristics and the arrangement of Chinese and Japanese meisho. I will also study the way kanshi and waka are composed as well as the connection between both genres. Lastly, I will highlight similarities between Wakan Meisho Shiikaawase and later poetry in the poetic treatment of meisho. Thus, through this presentation, I will have to reflect upon the cultural origin of meisho as well as the interaction, fusion and development of Japanese and Chinese “famous places” in poetry.