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The Tale of Genji. Chapter 2

Utagawa Kunisada

  • The Tale of Genji. Chapter 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-1127
Author
Utagawa Kunisada
Name
The Tale of Genji. Chapter 2
Date of creation
19th c.
Country
Japan
Technique
woodcut embossing
Material
paper Indian ink
Dimensions
23 x 34 cm (height x width)
Additionally
Type
printmaking
Provenance
Unknown origin
Exposition
Zolochiv Castle (Chinese Palace)
Information about author
Author
Utagawa Kunisada
Artist's lifetime
1786–1865
Country
Japan
Biography
Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865), also known as Toyokuni III, was a famous, prolific and successful artist who worked in the ukiyo-e genre ("picture of the world in progress") in 19th-century Japan. He represented the Utagawa School of Xylography and later became its head. Practically from his first day of work until his death, Kunisada was a trendsetter in Japanese woodcutting. He is known for his series of theatrical prints, city views of Edo and bijin-ga (depictions of beauties). Twelve works by Utagawa Kunisada from the collection of Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery are part of a series of 54 editions depicting scenes from sections of the writer Murasaki Shikibu's "The Tale of Genji", which is considered one of the greatest works of Japanese literature. The court life and travels of Prince Genji are depicted with fantastic attention to detail, including lavish clothing and architectural compositions. The images are made with excellent lines and understated colours of blue, red and brown in various shades. The same print unites works in the upper right-hand corner in cursive Sose (herb lettering). The print includes a calligraphic inscription in a cartouche and a serial number. There is also an ornamental frame with Genji emblems, which are repeated in each work. Such a combination was characteristic of book engravings.
Object description
The print depicts a room divided by a screen and a lantern on a high stand. In the right part, behind a screen on a tatami wearing a monochrome pink and beige kimono and a loose obi belt, sits Utsusemi, the wife of Iyo no suke. In the left-hand side of the print, a bald-headed elder samurai, dressed in the traditional montsuki haori hakama costume and carrying two swords, is shown against a backdrop of upright scrolls. The samurai suddenly emerges from a chest. With his right hand he grips the collar of the kimono of Prince Genji, who is seated on the floor. The young man tries to resist, raising his right hand behind his head.
Inscriptions
In the top right corner, in a cartouche, is a calligraphic inscription with the serial number "2". Bottom left are the author's signature, the stamps of the censors, one of whom is the Mayor of Tahitiro, and the publisher's stamps.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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