Utagawa Kunisada II
1823 ~ 1880Utagawa Kunisada II, initially known as Kunimasa III, was the first and most prominent pupil of Kunisada. He adopted this name (though he never signed as "II") from 1950 to 1951
when he inherited the leadership of the Utagawa school.
After his master`s death, he changed his name to Toyokuni III, but with three artists already having that name, he is now widely known even as Toyokuni IV.
Throughout his career, Kunisada II produced over 40 series, mainly depicting actors, in addition to prints of beautiful women, shunga, and literature-inspired works, working in the style of his master
but never achieving the same level of success.
Among his most famous works are the series "The Tale of the Eight Dog Heroes" and "The Tale of Genji".
Although his popularity began to wane in the Meiji period, he continued making prints until 1874.
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Edo
The subject of this print is Hotaru ("Fireflies"), the twenty-fifth chapter of The Tale of Genji.
The subject of this print is Hotaru ("Fireflies"), the twenty-fifth chapter of The Tale of Genji.
In this scene, Genji and Lady Tamakatsura (玉鬘) are depicted conversing outdoors. The glowing fireflies scattered around them evoke the title of the chapter.
At the top of the print, a fan-shaped cartouche contains a waka poem from the chapter:
「こゑはせて身をのみ焦かす蛍こそいふよりまさる思ひなるらめ」
Koehasete / mi wo nomi kogasu / hotaru koso / ifu yori masaru / omohi narurame
“Without a voice, the firefly burns its own body
a silent yearning, deeper than words could ever express.”
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Edo
Two key figures, the main villain and what is remembered as the sinless victim of the 47 rōnin story are represented in this print from one of the countless Kanadehon Chūshingura series.
Two key figures, the main villain and what is remembered as the sinless victim of the 47 rōnin story are represented in this print from one of the countless Kanadehon Chūshingura series.
The matter was well known by the time already and both literature and theater took inspiration from it. However in an era where peace and harmony had to be preserved all along the country any reference to the original feud was prohibited by
censorship and the authors found themselves force to change names for places, characters and sometimes even transpose the flow of the events on a different timeline.
So here Lord Asano becomes Takasada while the evil Kira becomes Moronao.
This may actually be an edition released soon after the first one being the Kanadehon Chūshingura pretty popular by that time. However it misses some details: we can point out that both the names of the actors are missing from the red cartouches
where only the characters one are shown.
Edo
At the top, a fan-shaped panel frames a poem from the chapter which content The content is depicted in the image below, where a man holds a branch and a message in his right hand:
At the top, a fan-shaped panel frames a poem from the chapter which content The content is depicted in the image below, where a man holds a branch and a message in his right hand:
"Ima wa tote ya tokare na tomo nare kitsuru maki no hashira ni ware o wasuruna".
"いまはとてやとかれなともなれきつるまきのはしらにわれをわするな"。
"Now that I am leaving, even if I should be forgotten, do not forget the bond we made, marked on the trunk of the tree."
In the 31st chapter of "The Tale of Genji," Tamakatsura reluctantly becomes Higekuro`s lover and soon finds herself pregnant, leading to a secret marriage sanctioned by To no Chujo.
Amidst a complex backdrop of familial and court tensions, Tamakatsura navigates her forced marriage and the emotional and social repercussions that follow, including estrangement from Higekuro and reflections on missed opportunities.
Her story intertwines with Genji`s, highlighting themes of unfulfilled love and societal obligations within the Heian court`s intricate relationships.
USD$ 153.00
Edo
This print depicts a lively street scene from the Meiji or late Edo period, focusing on three women, likely sex workers from the licensed quarter, dressed in colorful kimonos as they walk
together at night, illuminated by a lantern carried by one of them. In the background, a traditional row of shops and tea houses can be seen, with one prominently named Tsuruya, capturing the vibrant urban
life of the time.
This print depicts a lively street scene from the Meiji or late Edo period, focusing on three women, likely sex workers from the licensed quarter, dressed in colorful kimonos as they walk
together at night, illuminated by a lantern carried by one of them. In the background, a traditional row of shops and tea houses can be seen, with one prominently named Tsuruya, capturing the vibrant urban
life of the time.
The attention to detail in the women`s attire and the architectural elements reflects the rich culture and everyday life of historical Japan.
USD $279.00
Edo