Heart-to-Heart (Aoi) Chapter 9

Category

Library Item

Item no

16254

Title

Heart-to-Heart (Aoi) Chapter 9 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")

Description

A high-ranking courtesan wearing an array of elaborate spiky hairpins stands beside a 'kago' or palanquin. Inside the palanquin a seated woman modestly hides her face behind a pink fan. The courtesan or 'oiran' wears an erotic red outer kimono and is shown adjusting her obi belt. In the background a row of men's faces can be seen peering from behind the ridge of a hill.

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

The following information appears on this print:

Signed: Toyokuni ga
Censors' seals: Fuku and Muramatsu (1849-53)
Date seal: Rat year, intercalary month (1852)
Kyoka poem

Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Aoi', Chapter 9. In this chapter, the reader learns of the Emperor's abdication in favour of the Kokiden Consort's son, the Emperor Suzaku. One of Genji's former loves, the Rokujo Haven, feels neglected by Genji and decides to accompany her daughter, the High Priestess of Ise, to Ise. A Purification Festival is held to honour the third daughter of the Kokiden Consort who is made the High Priestess of the Kamo Shrine. Sightseeing carriages gather at Ichijo Avenue to view the pomp and ceremony of this event. The Rokujo Haven feels humiliated when her carriage is pushed aside by the carriage of Genji's pregnant wife, Aoi. After this skirmish, Aoi becomes ill and is possessed by an evil spirit. A rumour spreads that connects the evil spirit afflicting Aoi with the jealous Rokujo Haven. Rokujo, fearing that her strong emotions may be to blame, performs healing rites and attempts to further distance herself from Genji. Aoi dies soon after giving birth to Genji's child. Genji is filled with remorse but finds solace in the company of Murasaki whom he marries.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Belts

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Fans

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Asia > Japan

Plants > Trees > Trees

Transport > Land > Palanquins

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