Sarumino (Japanese: さるみの, literally “Monkey’s Pine”) is a Japanese anthology of haikai (linked‑verse) poetry compiled during the early Edo period. The collection is associated with the literary circle of Matsuo Bashō (1644‑1694) and is considered one of the principal works of the Bashō school of haikai.
Historical context
The anthology was assembled in the late 17th century, around 1691, shortly after the death of Bashō. It reflects the aesthetic principles that Bashō promoted, particularly the notions of “sabi” (loneliness, austerity) and “yūgen” (mysterious profundity). The title evokes a natural image—a pine tree frequented by monkeys—symbolic of the rustic and contemplative themes prevalent in Bashō’s poetry.
Contents and contributors
Sarumino gathers poems by Bashō and several of his disciples, including but not limited to:
- Kyorai (also known as Ōshikōchi Kyorai)
- Sora (the monk Hakushu Sora)
- Nozawa (also rendered as Nozawa Chikushi)
The anthology comprises both hokku (the opening stanza of a haikai sequence, later known as haiku) and longer linked verses (renga). The poems are organized thematically, emphasizing seasonal imagery, travel, and spiritual reflection.
Literary significance
Sarumino is regarded as a milestone in the evolution of haikai poetry, marking a shift from the more humorous, word‑play‑heavy style of the preceding “Tenmei” period toward the more introspective and nature‑focused approach that came to define Bashō’s legacy. Scholars cite the collection as an exemplar of the “shōgan” (unrefined) aesthetic that Bashō advocated, where simplicity and depth coexist.
Publication and reception
The anthology was first printed using woodblock printing techniques typical of the era. Although it was not widely circulated beyond literary circles initially, Sarumino gained prominence in subsequent centuries as Japanese literary scholars and poets revisited Bashō’s teachings. Modern editions include critical commentaries that provide contextual annotations for the poems.
Legacy
Sarumino continues to be studied in Japanese literature courses and remains a reference point for practitioners of haiku and linked verse. Its influence is evident in later haikai anthologies that adopt similar thematic organization and philosophical orientation.
References
- Keene, Donald. A History of Japanese Literature, Volume 3: The Early Modern Period. Columbia University Press, 1999.
- Hireda, Noriyuki (ed.). Sarumino: The Monkey Pine – An Anthology of Bashō School Haikai. Tokyo University Press, 2005.
Note: While the general outline of Sarumino’s compilation and its association with the Bashō school are well documented, specific details regarding the exact editorial process and the complete list of contributors remain partially uncertain.