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Butterflies (Kocho) Chapter 24
Kunisada I (Toyokuni III), 1853, Wood cut
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Butterflies (Kocho) Chapter 24
Butterflies (Kocho) Chapter 24
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Item no
16217
Title
Butterflies (Kocho) Chapter 24 from the series "A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour Prints" ("Ima Genji nishiki-e awase")
Description
A young girl dressed in a red kimono with a butterfly design passes to a nun a vase containing blossoms. Both figures are shown crouching beside a small blue screen with an open lattice section. The nun has a shaved head and wears a simple white kimono with a black pleated divided skirt (hakama). From behind the screen, Mitsuuji (Genji) approaches holding a black lacquer box decorated with a golden floral motif. Mitsuuji's lilac kimono is decorated with Genji-mon, a pattern made from an arrangement of incense sticks that corresponds to a particular chapter from Murasaki's 'Tale of Genji'. Mitsuuji's hakama are decorated with a bold plaid. The hilt of Mitsuuji's sword is visible. A small plant is positioned to the left of the scene.
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: Ox year, 5th month (1853)
Kyoka poem
Murasaki Shikibu 'Tale of Genji', 'Kocho', Chapter 24. In this chapter a spring party takes place at Genji's Rokujo estate. This is a lavish affair with musicians performing on board Chinese-style barges on the boating lake. There is a scripture reading by Her Majesty Akikonomu during which page girls dressed as birds and butterflies make offerings of flowers in vases. Tamakazura has aroused the attentions of many amorous suitors, including Genji's brother, (the Highness of War) and Kashiwagi (To no Chujo's son and Tamakazura's half brother). Tamakazura is anxiously waiting for Genji to inform her real father (To no Chujo) of her existence. Gradually Genji finds himself drawn to Tamakazura but she is disgusted by his advances.
Exhibitions with this item
'A Modern Collection of Genji in Colour'
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