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Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
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Location
Category
Library Item
Item no
16211
Title
Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
Mitsuuji (Genji) and a young man are shown in conversation, kneeling across from each other. Mitsuuji's blue jacket is decorated with the crossed clove emblem and is patterned with butterflies. The young man's purple outer garment is decorated with maple leaves. Both men have used purple cord to secure their topknots. Mitsuuji holds a long sword (katana) and on the floor beside the young man lays a short sword (wakizashi). These two swords when worn together were a symbol of the samurai's high social rank. Behind Mitsuuji, stands a screen decorated with a painting of sake cups floating down a stream. Next to this is a large ceramic pot in which a blossoming tree has been planted. In the background there is a lectern upon which rests a book which has been weighted open. A cabinet at the back of the room, decorated with painted peonies, is open to reveal volumes of books. Japanese books are stacked on top of each other when stored. On top of the cabinet, a black lacquer box decorated with a golden floral pattern is visible.
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', 'Usugumo', Chapter 19. In this chapter Genji speaks to the Lady of Akashi about their daughter's future. Akashi agrees that it is in her daughter's best interests to leave her mother's side and grow up surrounded by more refined society at Nijo. It upsets Genji to see how lonely the Lady of Akashi will be at Oi without her child and her close companion the Nurse. Murasaki cares for the child as if she were her own.
Genji's father-in-law, His Excellency, the Chancellor, dies.
Oracles on matters of state note that the stars and clouds appear strange, and this is taken as a warning that there is grave disorder in government. Genji believes that these omens are a result of the illegitimate reign of his son, Emperor Reizei. After the death of Fujitsubo, the Emperor's mother, a Prelate informs Emperor Reizei that Genji is his real father. The Emperor is horrified to learn of his transgression and considers abdicating in favour of his father, Genji. Genji refuses the promotion to Chancellor.
The Highness of Ceremonial, Asagao's father, dies.
Genji continues to visit the Akashi Lady.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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Lecterns
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Jacket
Furnishings
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Furniture
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Cupboards
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Screens
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Asia
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