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The Bluebell (Asagao) Chapter 20
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
The Bluebell (Asagao) Chapter 20
The Bluebell (Asagao) Chapter 20
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Item no
16213
Title
The Bluebell (Asagao) Chapter 20 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
A woman dressed in a pink kimono, seated on a floor cushion by a low table, reads from a scroll as she hands a short sword (wakizashi) to Mitsuuji (Genji). The sword has been wrapped in a golden edged ornate fabric. Mitsuuji wears a purple kimono that bears his crest of crossed cloves. Behind him there is a blue folding screen decorated with summer flowers and insects. Almost hidden behind the screen is a square based lamp stand with a pink shade.
This image derives from the serial novel or 'gokan', 'A Fake Murasaki and a Rustic Genji' (Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji) written by Ryutei Tanehiko and illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III), that was published between 1829-1842. This story reworks elements from the 'Tale of Genji' and transposes the action from the Heian period (794-1185) to the time of the Muromachi era's Onin Wars (1467-1477).
Artist / maker
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III)
Date
1853
Size
27.9 x 19.8 cm
Type
Wood cut
Location
Art and Design Library
Signed: Toyokuni ga
Censors' seals: Hama and Magome (1849-53)
Date seal: Rat year, 5th month (1852)
Kyoka poem
Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Asagao', Chapter 20. In this chapter Genji begins to court the Kamo Priestess, Asagao. Although Asagao resists Genji's advances, Murasaki observes the courtship and is deeply hurt by the attention Genji pays to this other woman. Genji confesses to Murasaki his love affairs with various women but does not mention Fujitsubo for whom he is grieving.
Genji has a dream of Fujitsubo in which his past love appears angry with him for the suffering she endures in the next life. Genji performs devotions so that she might be saved.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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Clothing and dress
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Garments
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Kimonos
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Screens
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Seating furniture
Furnishings
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Furniture
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Tables
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Ornamentation
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Light fixtures
Military
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Arms and armament
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Daggers and swords
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Women
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Asia
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