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The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
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About this image
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Location
Category
Library Item
Item no
16226
Title
The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae), from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
In this image two characters are depicted in a Japanese tea garden. A woman in a red kimono decorated with motifs representing the 'three winter friends' (pine, bamboo and plum) stands upon a stone pathway close to a small stream. To the woman's left is a stone lantern. She is holding up a branch of plum blossom to which a small pouch has been tied. The woman's obi belt has been elaborately tied behind her and she wears a red flower in her hair and wooden clogs (geta) on her feet. On the other side of the stream a samurai, Mitsuuji (?) (Genji), digs in the soil for herbs with a garden tool and holds a small medicine bottle in one hand. He wears a purple kimono with blue and purple striped trousers (hakama). The season is winter/early spring.
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', 'Umegae', Chapter 32. In this chapter Genji prepares for his daughter's donning of the train ceremony, and the Heir Apparent's coming of age. Akashi no Himegimi, the daughter of Genji and the Akashi Lady, will be presented to the Heir Apparent. Incense is blended in preparation for the ceremony. Genji receives a message attached to a plum tree branch and incense from the former Kamo priestess. Genji and To no Chujo sample the different incenses. They are then joined by To no Chujo's son, Kashiwagi, Genji's son, Yugiri, and the Controller Lieutenant, Kobai, for an evening of music and poetry. Empress, Akikonomu, is to take part in Akashi no Himegimi's donning of the train. Genji gathers together examples of different calligraphy styles for his daughter's book box. These are intended to provide instruction and are given to Akashi no Himegimi when she goes to join the Heir Apparent at the palace. Genji speaks to his son, Yugiri, about his future. To no Chujo regrets his part in obstructing the relationship between his daughter, Kumoi no Kari, and Yugiri.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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