Evening Mist, Chapter 39 (Yugiri)

Category

Library Item

Item no

16233

Title

Evening Mist, Chapter 39 (Yugiri) from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")

Description

An elegantly dressed young woman is depicted adjusting Mitsuuji's (Genji's) kimono as she helps him to dress. Mitsuuji's two swords and fan lie next to a freestanding lamp on the floor behind them. The woman is dressed in a red kimono with a white grid pattern, the border of which is purple and decorated with a floral motif. Her hairstyle is immaculate save for one stray lock of hair that has come loose. The woman's hairstyle is decorated with long hairpins (kogai). Mitsuuji's kimono is pale blue and bears his family crest, the crossed cloves. Behind Mitsuuji there is an image of a landscape enfolded by a haze of blossom, a poetic illusion to the print's title, 'Evening Mist'. There is the implication that the two figures are lovers.

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: Magome and Hama (1849-53)
Date seal: Rat year, 5th month (1852)
Kyoka poem

Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Yugiri', Chapter 39. In this chapter Yugiri continues to visit the Second Princess Ochiba and her mother, the Haven. The Haven, who suffers from an illness caused by a spirit, wishes to meet a natural healer who lives in the mountains. Yugiri visits Ochiba and the Haven in their villa in the hills, and his absences make his wife even more suspicious. When the Haven becomes ill and retires, Yugiri seizes the opportunity to speak to the Princess in private. Because the hour is late and there is a heavy mist, he sends his carriages and servants away and insists on staying the night at the villa. The Third Princess tries to escape from his company when he steals in through her screens. Yugiri argues with her, and threatens her, but she does not give into his desires. Before Yugiri leaves her at dawn, he warns the Princess that her reputation will suffer from having allowed him to stay at the villa overnight.
The Haven's spiritual healer, the Master of Discipline, asks the Haven how long Yugiri and the Third Princess have been married, and then explains how he had seen Yugiri leaving the villa at dawn.The Haven is shocked but then sends a letter to Yugiri asking him why he has failed to conclude the marriage and chosen not to visit her daughter for another two consecutive nights.
Yugiri's wife, Kumoi no Kari, jealously steals the Haven's letter from him and hides it, so that a day passes before Yugiri is able to recover the letter and read it. When Yugiri's reply reaches the Haven, she is already extremely ill and this added concern hastens her death. When Yugiri learns of the Haven's death, he rushes to be with the Second Princess and offers to assist with the arrangements for the funeral. The Princess blames Yugiri for her mother's death and refuses to communicate with him. Yugiri takes the memorial rites in hand to the estate at Ichijo. Because Yugiri has gone to great expense and effort to repair her home, people mistakenly assume that he has married the Princess. Although the Princess locks herself in a room and refuses to allow Yugiri access to her person, her gentlewomen help Yugiri to enter her chamber. Yugiri spends the night with the Second Princess.
Yugiri's first wife, Kumoi no Kari, decides that this must be the end of their marriage and moves back into her father's house. She leaves Yugiri their sons but takes their daughters with her. Yugiri has trouble convincing Kumoi no Kari to return to their home and sends messages to Ichijo to assure the Second Princess of his affections.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hair ornaments

Clothing and dress > Garments > Kimonos

Military > Arms and armament > Daggers and swords

Objects > Match box holders > Light fixtures

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

Places > Asia > Japan

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.