Posted by Hans Olof Johansson (81.224.173.143) on January 06, 2006 at 14:24:31:
In Reply to: Re: Expulsion of Yoshitora by Kuniyo posted by Andrew on January 05, 2006 at 00:32:38:
Andrew,
The meaning of the phrase 好ニ付 (or 御好ニ付) in signatures has been discussed earlier on this board (see the thread "Okonomi ni tsuki" in archive no. 5). Maybe Dan, who initiated that discussion, has something to add to it in this specific context?
The print doesn't carry a publisher's mark, and the censor's mark (necessary for regular distribution) is of course missing. Was the print ever intended for the general public? If it wasn't, how did it get to the attention of the authorities?
And if Yoshitora was aware of the risk of punishment, why did he sign it with his name? Perhaps the whole thing worked as a publicity stunt, that actually increased his popularity as a print designer?
By the way, I found a transcription of the poem:
君が代を
つきかためたり
春のもち
(http://www.kabuki-za.com/syoku/no16.html)
Apparently it's formally a haiku, but unfortunately the transcription doesn't help me understand the poem. "Kimigayô" (君が代) usually stands for the Imperial reign, and it's also the beginning of a classical poem that is now the text of the Japanese national anthem. "Haru no mochi" (春のもち) means "rice cakes of spring". As for the middle part I can only guess, and my guesses don't make much sense. Perhaps somebody else can translate the poem?
Best regards,
Hans Olof