“Ukiyo-e Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji” Hanachirusato

Genji and Hanachirusato, sitting on a chaise longue and enjoying the flowers. The waka poem in the upper frame tells of the fragrance of tachibana (orange) flowers, yet the scene seems to depict cherry blooms. Flower floating in the sake cup adds to the mood. A parody of “Tale of Genji” became very popular in late Edo period, and this piece portrays such parodied world.

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Published: Koka 2-3 (1845-1846)
Publisher: City of Ise

National Diet Library
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