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The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
The Plum Tree Branch, Chapter 32 (Umegae)
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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
Location
Art and Design Library
Rights and purchasing
Option
Price
Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG​
£6.10(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF​
£31.00(inc. VAT 20%)
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