Saigyô plum blossom Saigyô ume (title on object) A series for the Hanazono poetry association (series title) Hanazono bantsuzuki (series title on object), An ink stone with a silver statue of a cat on a stand of lacquerware and a straw hat. The Saigyô plum blossom, depicted against a blue background, is named after the priest and poet Saigyô (1118-1190), who once received a silver statue of a cat as a token of appreciation from the shogun. Since Saigyô was loyal to the emperor, he gave the image away. The hat refers to images of the poet while, with his hat on, he admires Mount Fuji. The ink stone refers to his poetry activities. With two poems, cat, Totoya Hokkei (mentioned on object), Japan, 1820 - 1825, paper, polishing, h 203 mm × w 179 mm