Suma (Suma) Chapter 12

Category

Library Item

Item no

16204

Title

Suma (Suma) Chapter 12 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")

Description

In this print, Mitsuuji (Genji) is seated by a Japanese zither (koto) and behind him a secret policeman, dressed in black, approaches with a drawn sword. Mitsuuji has raised his fan to halt his would-be attacker. A pillow lies to the left, and behind them both is a folding screen decorated with sea grasses.

The motif of the geese flying across a full moon indicates that the season is autumn.

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: Hama and Magome (1849-53)
Date seal: Ox year, 1st month
Kyoka poem

Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Suma', Chapter 12. In this chapter Genji finds himself in an increasingly hostile political environment and decides to go into self-exile at Suma Bay. As he prepares to leave, Genji considers the future of his two sons and visits his young son by his wife, Aoi. He also visits Fujistubo and expresses his concern over their son's smooth accession. Genji is most distressed to leave behind Murasaki to whom he entrusts with all his worldly belongings.
At Suma, he entertains himself by playing the kin (East Asian musical instrument) and composing poetry. One day when Genji is performing a ritual purification at the seashore a terrible thunderstorm begins. Genji chants Buddhist scriptures until the thunder stops. That night in his sleep, Genji is visited by the Dragon King, who according to legend desires a beautiful son-in-law for his daughter.

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Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Fans

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

Furnishings > Furniture > Screens

Military > Arms and armament > Daggers and swords

People > Adults > Men

Places > Asia > Japan

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Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG	£7.32(inc. VAT 20%)
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