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The Green Branch (Sakaki) Chapter 10
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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The Green Branch (Sakaki) Chapter 10
The Green Branch (Sakaki) Chapter 10
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Item no
16202
Title
The Green Branch (Sakaki) Chapter 10, from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
One woman crouches down beside another woman who is holding a green 'sakaki' branch. This evergreen branch is considered sacred and is frequently used in Shinto religious festivals. The branch has been decorated with folded paper Shinto offerings or 'gohei'. Behind them stands a wooden Shinto 'torii' gate, marking the entrance to a shrine. The brushwood fence and the 'unbarked' torii gate are referred to in the 'Tale of Genji'. Both of the women wear ornamental hairpins and highly patterned kimono and obi belts. Their red inner kimono adds an element of eroticism to their dress. The printer employs a technique known as 'bokashizuri' to create a subtle blending of colour which is used to add depth to the picture plane.
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: Hama and Magome (1849-53)
Date seal: Ox year, 1st month (1853)
Kyoka poem
Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Sakaki', Chapter 10. In this chapter the Rokujo Haven and the High Priestess of Ise depart for the Shrine on the Moor. The sakaki branch is invoked as a symbol of Genji's constant feelings for the Rokujo Haven. Later in the chapter Genji also sends a poem attached to a sakaki branch to his former love, Asagao, who has been made the new High Priestess of Kamo.
Genji's father, the retired Emperor, passes away and the Kokiden Consort's relatives come to dominate court politics. Genji's former love, Oborozukiyo is promoted to Mistress of Staff (Naishi no Kami) and their relationship continues. Genji finds a way to meet with Fujitsubo but she is taken ill with chest pains. Fujitsubo, fearing that the identity of the Heir Apparent's father (Genji) will be discovered, decides to become a nun. Genji also considers renouncing the material world. Genji and Oborozukiyo's relationship is discovered by His Excellency, the Minister of the Right, Oborozukiyo's father. The Kokiden Consort, now the Empress Mother, detests Genji's brazen behaviour and plots his downfall.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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