Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Japanese, 1798-1861

from the series: Ukiyo-e Parables for Chapters of Genji, 1843-1845
Publisher illegible
With seal of censor Watanabe Jiyeman

Nishiki-e (color woodblock print)
Oban format
Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi

Museum Collection

The Tale of the Genji, written by Lady Murasaki in the 10th century, is one of the great novels of world literature, resembling Proust in sensitivity and psychological depth. It has strongly influenced both the life and art of Japan and has had stage versions. The novel is about the largely amorous adventures of Prince Genji and his many lovers, and explores the meaning of every nuance of courtly manners, making heroic tragedy out of etiquette. Communication between men and women is often through love poems. Fidelity and betrayal in love are closely allied. In this print, Kuniyoshi has evaded recent harsh censorship laws against depicting stage actors by putting the Genji tale into contemporary terms. The lady, for instance, is dressed like the courtesans so popular in color prints of the time. The Japanese writing in the inset at the top is made to appear like the beginning of a scroll. The paper of the scroll is decorated to recall the elegantly designed paper of early Genji scrolls. Thus, the lady in the print seems to have come alive from the words of the novel. Kuniyoshi and others seem almost modern in their ability to cross the barrier between art and reality. Although words like "machismo" and "patriarchy" have been used to describe its cultural traditions, especially those of the Tokugawa period, Japanese culture has nourished many great women writers and poets in its persistently harmonious genius. Japanese women have thus achieved heroism through art and the art of life.




Bayly Art Museum | Digital Image Center | University Library | University Home

Maintained by: imagecenter@virginia.edu
Last Modified:
© 1997 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
University of Virginia / Charlottesville, Virginia / 22903