三味線の胴The Shamisen Body

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What you'll learn

The author introduces her husband's comparison of her face to a shamisen due to her square hairline. She describes her facial features and emphasizes her exceptionally long hair, explaining why she prefers the kushimaki hairstyle. Finally, she praises the noble beauty of Kujo Takeko, who once modeled for a painting.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～と言う N4Quotation marker meaning 'says that'.
  うちの松篁は、私の顔を三味線だと言う。
• ～かと言うと N2Used to introduce a reason or explanation: 'if you ask why...'.
  どういうわけかと言うと、そのあとの毛を根に巻きつけるとか、何処かにぐるぐると入れるのだが、私のは毛がながいために入れるところがない。
• ～ために N3Means 'because of' or 'for the purpose of'.
  私のは毛がながいために入れるところがない。
• ～たことがある N5Express past experience: 'have done something'.
  文展の〈月蝕の宵〉を描いた時には、モデルになってもらって、横向きやら、七三やらの姿を写させて貰った事がある。
• ～て貰う N4Receive the favor of someone doing an action; 'have someone do something'.
  そのころは母に結って貰っていました。

Cultural notes

• ShamisenA three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument. The author's husband compares her square face to the rectangular body of a shamisen, a humorous and self-deprecating comment.
• Kushimaki HairstyleA traditional Japanese hairstyle where long hair is wound around a large comb (kushi). The author favored it because it was easy to manage with her exceptionally long hair and prevented hair loss.
• Kujo TakekoA renowned beauty and poet from an aristocratic family. The author admires her noble facial features, contrasting her own appearance.
• Bunten ExhibitionThe predecessor of the current Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). The author mentions a painting 'Lunar Eclipse Night' for which Kujo Takeko served as a model.

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Topics & grammar

Articleessaycomedyself deprecationfamilyhumorousnostalgicaozora bunko〜たことがあるta koto ga aru · have done before (experience)〜ためにtame ni · in order to / because of