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The Law, Chapter 40 (Minori)
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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The Law, Chapter 40 (Minori)
The Law, Chapter 40 (Minori)
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Library Item
Item no
16235
Title
The Law, Chapter 40 (Minori) from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
In this image a woman is shown seated next to a small child. They are both positioned in front of a folding screen that is decorated with mountainous landscape. The woman dressed in a pink kimono with a purple border tilts back the child's face with one hand and points into the distance with the other hand. She appears to be examining the child's face as she narrates a story. A woman dressed in a chrysanthemum patterned red kimono stands at their side holding a small blue cup that rests on a lacquered cupstand. Her blue and black voluminous obi belt is tied behind her. This scene takes place inside an elegant house and through the open doors the viewer can see the veranda (engawa) and a blossoming tree.
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: T: Tiger year, 2nd month (1854)
Kyoka poem
Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Minori', Chapter 40. In this chapter Murasaki's condition worsens and many holy services are performed. Genji still refuses to allow her to become a nun because he cannot bear to be parted from her before death. Murasaki dedicates one thousand copies of the Lotus Sutra and many friends and courtiers gather for this solemn event. Murasaki enjoys the sweet company of the Third Prince, Niou, who is the son of the Kiritsubo Consort. Murasaki sends poems to the Akashi Lady and the Lady of the Falling Flowers (Hanachirusato). When Murasaki grows weaker, the Kiritsubo Consort (now known as Empress, Akashi no Chugu) leaves the palace to be with her. Murasaki asks Niou to remember her when she is gone and to dedicate the plum and cherry blossoms to Buddha in remembrance of her. Murasaki dies and Genji is distraught with grief. Yugiri is with Genji when Murasaki dies and he does his best to console his father during the period of mourning confinement. Genji wishes to renounce this world for a life of devoted practice, but worries that this decision will be tainted by his despair and will be interpreted by others as weakness.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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