Ki no Tsurayuki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ki no Tsurayuki
紀 貫之 |
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Ki no Tsurayuki by Kikuchi Yōsai
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| Governor of Tosa Province | |
| In office 930–935 |
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| Monarch | Suzaku |
| Vice Governor of Kaga Province | |
| In office 917–923 |
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| Monarch | Daigo |
| Vice Governor of Mino Province | |
| In office 918–923 |
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| Monarch | Daigo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 872 |
| Died | June 30, 945 (aged 72-73) |
| Children |
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| Parent |
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Ki no Tsurayuki (紀 貫之, 872 – June 30, 945) was an important Japanese writer, poet, and noble who lived during the Heian period (794-1185). He is most famous for helping to create the Kokin Wakashū, a very important collection of Japanese poems. He also wrote its Japanese introduction.
Many people believe he wrote the Tosa Diary, even though it was published without an author's name. Ki no Tsurayuki was well-known for his waka poetry. He is even considered one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals. Some of his poems are also in the Hyakunin Isshu, another famous poetry collection. As a government official, he served as a Governor of Tosa from 930 to 935. He was also a Vice Governor in Kaga and Mino Province.
Contents
Ki no Tsurayuki's Life
Ki no Tsurayuki was born in either 866 or 872. His father was Ki no Mochiyuki. His mother was a court dancer, but her name is not known. As a child, he was called Akokuso.
In the 890s, he became a waka poet. Waka are short Japanese poems. In 905, Emperor Daigo asked him and three other poets to create the Kokin Wakashū. This was the first poetry book ordered by an emperor.
After working in a few government jobs in Kyoto, he became the governor of Tosa Province. He lived there from 930 to 935. Later, he might have become the governor of Suō Province. Records show he held a waka poetry party at his home in Suo.
Tsurayuki was a main editor of the Kokin Wakashū. He wrote one of its two introductions, which was the first time someone wrote a critical essay about waka poetry. In his essay, he talked about the history of waka. He also grouped poems into different styles and mentioned important poets. He even shared some strong opinions about earlier poets like Ariwara no Narihira.
Tsurayuki wrote more than 500 poems during his life. Many of these poems are in the Kokinshu and other imperial collections. One of his waka poems is in the Hyakunin Isshu. This collection was put together in the 13th century.
It is believed he died on June 30, 945.
Important Works
Kokin Wakashū
In 905, Emperor Daigo ordered the creation of the Kokin Wakashū (also called Kokinshū). Ki no Tsurayuki was one of four poets chosen for this big project. This was the first poetry collection sponsored by an emperor. Tsurayuki was the main editor of the Kokinshu. He also wrote its important Japanese introduction.
Tosa Diary
Another major work believed to be by Tsurayuki is the Tosa Nikki (土佐日記, "Tosa Diary"). This diary was written using kana, a Japanese writing system. The Tosa Diary is told from the viewpoint of a woman. She takes a 55-day trip in 934 to the capital city (which is now Kyoto). Tsurayuki had been the governor of Tosa Province before this trip.
Even though Tsurayuki was a man, he wrote the diary as if a woman wrote it. This has made experts discuss gender and language during that time. Ki no Tsurayuki finished his term as governor of Tosa Province in 934 when he was 66 years old. He wrote the Tosa Nikki after he returned to the capital. The diary mentions events from Tsurayuki's own life, like the death of his daughter. It also includes many poems, which were probably written by Tsurayuki himself.
The Tale of Genji
In the famous story The Tale of Genji, Ki no Tsurayuki is called a master of waka poetry. The story says that Emperor Uda asked him and several female poets to write waka poems. These poems were then used to decorate the emperor's palace.
Family Life
We do not know the names of Ki no Tsurayuki’s mother or wife. He had three children. His son was named Ki no Tokibumi. He also had two daughters; one was named Ki no Naishi, and the other's name is not known.
Important Dates
Here are some key moments in Ki no Tsurayuki's life:
- He was born in either 866 or 872.
- In 905, he helped write the Kokin Wakashū.
- In 906, he became a Junior Secretary for Echizen Province. He also became the Keeper of the Imperial Court Library.
- In 907, he became the Head of the Imperial Table Office.
- In September 907, he went with Emperor Uda to the Ōi River for a waka poetry event.
- In 910, he became a Junior Scribe in the Ministry of the Center.
- In 913, he took part in a waka poetry competition organized by Emperor Uda.
- In 917, he became a Vice Governor of Kaga Province.
- In 918, he also became a Vice Governor of Mino Province.
- In 923, he became the Head of Storage in the Ministry of the Center.
- In 929, he became the Deputy High Steward of the Right Capital District.
- In 930, he was appointed Governor of Tosa Province. He also put together his own collection of waka poetry called Shinsen Waka.
- In 935, he finished his term as Governor of Tosa Province and went back to Kyoto. He wrote the Tosa Nikki based on his journey home.
- In 940, he became the Head of the Bureau of Buddhists and Foreigners.
- In 943, he received the court rank of Junior Fifth Rank, Upper Grade.
- In 945, he became the Head of the Bureau of Carpentry.
- He died on May 18 or June 30, 945.
See also
In Spanish: Ki no Tsurayuki para niños
