[1] The subject matter typically contains components of social satire, banter, and vulgar topics such as farting and/or itching which challenges the more conventional styles of Japanese poetry like classical waka.
Although Kyōshi was a rather frivolous poetry style, its intended audience remained relatively small and restricted to the samurai class due to its challenging rules and "Chinese-style versifications.
"[1] The true origin of kyōshi poetry is somewhat unclear due to its subjective nature however, it is said to have had an extensive history, dating back to the Heian period.
[3] Below is kyōshi written by Dōmyaku Sensei from Taihei gafu, addressed to Ōta Nanpo: Priests make a brothel's flushest clients; Among buddhas, Zuigu is foremost.
(Marcus, 26)[2] Throughout the early eighteenth century, there was little opportunity for poets and followers of the Ogyū Sorai school to express discontent with contemporary society and politics other than through conventional and elegant Chinese poetry.