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The Maiden of the Bridge, Chapter 45 (Hashihime)

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
The Maiden of the Bridge, Chapter 45 (Hashihime)
The Maiden of the Bridge, Chapter 45 (Hashihime)
The Maiden of the Bridge, Chapter 45 (Hashihime)
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Category
Library Item
Item no
16240
Title
The Maiden of the Bridge, Chapter 45 (Hashihime) Chapter 45 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
A young male figure stands in the foreground holding an open fan in one hand. At his waist he wears a sword indicating that he is of samurai class. He wears a blue kimono decorated with blossom and a pair of trousers (hakama) with a kasuri chequered pattern. Behind him two women are seated with their instruments upon a balcony under a full moon. A woman in a purple kimono is positioned next to a koto (Japanese zither) and her companion in the red long sleeved kimono is holding a biwa (Japanese mandolin). This second woman is depicted pointing to the sky with her plectrum. Her red kimono is decorated with a floral pattern. On the floor in front of the women there is a small cup, a dish of food and a long handled kettle placed upon two cushions. The sliding doors of the villa have been drawn back to reveal a view of the sea. The women are probably enjoying a private moon viewing party.

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​
£7.32(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF​
£37.20(inc. VAT 20%)
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