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The Seer, Chapter 41 (Maboroshi)

Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
The Seer, Chapter 41 (Maboroshi)
The Seer, Chapter 41 (Maboroshi)
The Seer, Chapter 41 (Maboroshi)
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Category
Library Item
Item no
16236
Title
The Seer, Chapter 41 (Maboroshi) from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
Mitsuuji (Genji) is depicted standing within an ornately decorated room holding a rosary in one hand as he looks upwards towards the moon. The flight of geese passing in front of a full moon is emblematic of autumn. Mitsuuji is dressed in a purple kimono with a chequerboard pattern. His sword is visible at his waist and his hair has been tied back in a lobster tail topknot. To his side kneels a woman in a red kimono decorated with a kasuri (ikat) pattern. The folds of her blue obi belt are visible behind her. She holds a small square tray upon which sits a ceramic blue and white cup. The woman's hair is unornamented and simply styled. To Mitsuuji's left there is a black and gold lacquer cupboard and stand, a golden vase containing flowers, a floor cushion and a standing screen. This area appears to be a space prepared for Mitsuuji to conduct his private devotions. Behind the two figures the sliding wall panel has been opened to reveal a bamboo trellis and a wooden walkway or engawa.

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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