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Spring Shoots 2, Chapter 35 (Wakana 2)
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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Spring Shoots 2, Chapter 35 (Wakana 2)
Spring Shoots 2, Chapter 35 (Wakana 2)
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Item no
16229
Title
Spring Shoots 2, Chapter 35 (Wakana 2) from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
Two figures are depicted kneeling in an elegantly decorated Japanese room. A woman dressed in a red floral kimono and pale blue under kimono adjusts the candle in a freestanding lamp. Her hair is elaborately decorated with a garland of blue flowers. A black and white cat wearing a collar decorated with bells sits watching the woman. In front of the woman is a samurai dressed in a purple floral kimono. In the background there is a screen clothes stand draped with an obi belt. Also visible is a sideboard with a sliding door that has been painted with a bamboo design.
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', 'Wakana 2', Chapter 35. In this chapter the young men gather at Rokujo for an archery contest. To no Chujo's eldest son, Kashiwagi, and Genji's son, Yugiri, attend with the faint hope of seeing the Third Princess, Onna San no Miya. Kashiwagi is successful in his schemes to obtain Onna San no Miya's cat which he keeps as a memento of her. In this chapter, Higekuro's daughter, Makabashira, is married to Genji's brother, Hotaru; Emperor Reizei grows ill and abdicates; To no Chujo also retires; and Higekuro is made Regent. The Kiritsubo Consort's son is named Heir Apparent.
Genji, the Akashi Lady, the Nun, the Kiritsubo Consort and Murasaki make a pilgrimage to pray at Sumiyoshi, as the Akashi Novice would have wished. A festival of spring shoots is planned as a means of bringing the retired Emperor Suzaku into contact with his daughter, Onna San no Miya. Genji prepares Onna San no Miya for the event by making her practice the kin (Chinese zither). A women's concert is held at Rokujo for the pleasure of Genji and Yugiri. Murasaki repeatedly asks Genji to permit her to become a nun so that she might prepare for death, but Genji refuses to let her leave him. Murasaki becomes very ill and she is moved to Nijo where prayers are said for her recovery. Kashiwagi, although now married to the Second Princess Ochiba, continues in his pursuit of her sister Onna San no Miya. He takes advantage of Genji's absence from Rokujo to press his suit. Kashiwagi forces himself on the Third Princess and spends the night in her quarters. Kashiwagi reflects upon what he has done and is overwhelmed by a feeling of despair. Genji hears that Onna San no Miya is not well and returns to be with her at Rokujo. While he is absent from Nijo, he receives a message that Murasaki has stopped breathing. Prayers are said and Murasaki is revived, and the malignant spirit that had been troubling Murasaki is transferred to a medium. The spirit reveals itself to be that of the Rokujo Haven. Genji allows Murasaki to receive the Five Precepts.
Kashiwagai continues to visit the Third Princess and she falls pregnant with his child. Kashiwagi sends her a letter that she barely has time to hide under a cushion before Genji enters her room. While she is sleeping, Genji discovers the hidden letter and recognizes Kashiwagi's handwriting. Genji is appalled at Kashiwagi's lack of discretion. Genji insists that Kashiwagi attends a rehearsal at Rokujo and seizes this opportunity to give him the responsibility of overseeing the retired Emperor Suzaku's jubilee. Genji also teases Kashiwagi over his drunken state at the rehearsal. This only makes Kashiwagi feel more confused, ashamed and depressed. Kashiwagi becomes gravely ill, having not eaten in months, and leaves his wife to return to his father's home.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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