Skip to content

Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
Wisps of Cloud (Usugumo) Chapter 19
Share
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
Location
Art and Design Library
Rights and purchasing
Option
Price
Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG
£5.80(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF
£29.40(inc. VAT 20%)
You can view and use digital images for personal and educational use. For more information, read our policy on image use. If you wish to use our images for commercial use, please contact us.