The Poetry of Chiyo-ni: The Life and Art of Japan's Most Celebrated Woman Haiku Master

Patricia Donegan, Yoshie Ishibashi

 

"Patricia Donegan and Yoshie Ishibashi are to be deeply thanked for having given us with such articulate care a poetry major in any language and in any place or time." —Robert Creeley, poet

The Poetry of Chiyo-ni introduces English-language readers to one of Japan's most luminous literary voices: Chiyo-ni (1703—1775), a poet, painter, and Buddhist nun who broke barriers to become Japan's most celebrated female haiku master.

Living in an era when haiku was almost exclusively a male art form, Chiyo-ni followed in the footsteps of Basho's disciples, creating verse of crystalline clarity and subtle sensuality. This elegant new edition, enriched with a new foreword by bestselling author and Zen practitioner Natalie Goldberg, brings this eagerly awaited essential volume back into print.

This richly illustrated collection features:

• Over 100 of Chiyo-ni's poems, presented in Japanese script, romaji, and lucid English translations
• Seasonal haiku, renku (linked verse), and haibun (travel journals)showcasing her spiritual and artistic insight
• Biographical essays and historical context exploring her extraordinary life and times
• 30 pieces of artwork by Chiyo-ni and other artists
• A glossary of haiku terms for both students and poetry lovers

From the simple beauty of morning glories to profound reflections on impermanence, Chiyo-ni's poetry invites quiet contemplation and timeless connection:

a hundred gourds
from the heart
of one vine

A finalist for the Haiku Society of America's Award for Translation, this long-awaited edition is a must-have for lovers of haiku, Japanese literature, and contemplative writing.