1791 (Kansei 3) – 1875 (Meiji 8)
Rengetsu-ni (birth name: Tōdō Makoto) was a poet from the late Edo period to the Meiji era. She was raised by the temple servant Ōtagaki Kōko of Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. After marrying twice and losing her children, she became a nun in 1823 and adopted the name Rengetsu.
Rengetsu is best known for her pottery, "Rengetsu-yaki," which features her own waka poetry carved into the pieces. She studied waka under Ueda Akinari and Rokunobe Zeikō. Her collected works, Amanushi no Karimo (The Sea People’s Weeds), reflect a refined literary style.
In addition to her literary contributions, Rengetsu was known for her compassion. During times of famine, she used her own wealth to provide aid and made donations to public works, such as the Marutamachi Bridge. She also lived with the young Tomioka Tessai, profoundly influencing him. Rengetsu passed away in 1875 at the age of 85, leaving a lasting impact on the people of Kyoto.
She is known for Rengetsu-yaki—pottery inscribed with her own waka poetry. She studied poetry under Ueda Akinari and Mutobe Yoshika. Her collection, Ama no Karumo, reflects her refined literary style.
Rengetsu was also known for her compassion, donating her wealth during famines and funding public works like the Marutamachi Bridge. She lived with the young Tomioka Tessai, greatly influencing him. She passed away in 1875 at the age of 85, deeply mourned by the Kyoto community.