A Drifting Boat, Chapter 51 (Ukifune)

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut

Category

Library Item

Item no

16247

Title

A Drifting Boat, Chapter 51 (Ukifune) from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")

Description

This print depicts three figures travelling in a boat. All three figures wear layered clothing and head coverings to keep them warm. The central figure, Mitsuuji, is stood holding a closed umbrella. The double swords visible at his waist indicate that this character is of samurai class. Seated to his right and clutching an oar, is a woman dressed in a striped kimono and white head covering. The other two figures wear blue head coverings and purple kimono decorated with Genji-mon designs and Mitsuuji's family crest of cloves. The woman seated to Mitsuuji's left wears a voluminous red obi belt into which she has tucked a roll of tissues. A snowy landscape indicates that this scene takes place in the winter.

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: Aratame
Date seal: Tiger year, 2nd month (1854)
Kyoka poem

Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Ukifune', Chapter 51. In this chapter Ukifune is courted by Niou, her half sister's husband. Naka no Kimi refuses to reveal Ukifune's identity to Niou and he interprets her secrecy as jealousy. Kaoru, having moved Ukifune to the remote house in Uji, discovers that he cannot visit her as often as he would like and makes plans to mover her to the City.
Niou intercepts a letter from Uji intended for his wife's gentlewoman, and after questioning the messenger he discovers the whereabouts of Ukifune. Niou knows about Kaoru's numerous visits to Uji and concludes that Kaoru is secretly keeping Ukifune there. Determined to meet Ukifune again, Niou makes a secret trip to Uji. He gains admittance to the house by imitating Kaoru's voice and instructing the maids to dim the lamps.
In the morning light Ukifune's closest attendants are mortified to discover their error. However, in spite of their protests, Niou insists on staying with Ukifune another night and talks to Ukifune about moving her to another secret location where Kaoru cannot find her. Niou takes Ukifune by boat to Tokikata's uncle's house on the opposite bank so that he can enjoy her company in privacy.
Kaoru learns from his retainers that Niou has been visiting Ukifune and warns his guardsmen to be extra vigilant and not to allow anyone access to the house. Unable to decide between her two suitors, and ashamed of her distasteful situation, Ukifune begins to contemplate suicide. Ukifune's mother has ill-omened dreams about her daughter and makes donations to a temple to have scriptures read for her.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Belts

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Umbrellas

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

Military > Arms and armament > Daggers and swords

Natural phenomena > Weather > Snow

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Asia > Japan

Transport > Water > Boats

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