Antique Japanese Woodblock Print by Kunisada II/Hiroshige II -Tale of Genji -Chapter 43: Kōbai (The Red Plums)- c.1864
This beautiful Japanese full oban-size woodblock print was created by the renowned late-Edo artist Utagawa Kunisada II (1823 - 1880), also known as Kunimasa III and Toyokuni IV. He was one of the most prominent artists and printmakers of the late Edo and early Meiji periods.
The print depicts a scene from Kunisada II's series based on the most cherished and famous Japanese literary work, "Genji Monogatari," or "The Tale of Genji," by Murasaki Shikibu, written in the 11th century. The print is titled "Chapter 43, Kōbai", from the series "The Remembrance of Fifty-four Chapters from the Tale of Genji".
Chapter 43: Kōbai (The Red Plums) takes place in the final segment of The Tale of Genji. This portion of the novel focuses on the lives, court politics, and romantic entanglements of the generation following Prince Genji’s death.
Kobai (on the right), the son of Genji’s friend, is sending a branch of a red plum tree with flowers to Niou, Genji’s grandson, to get his attention, bring him to his household, and maybe introduce his daughter (in the middle) to Niou. He wants to marry his daughter and stepdaughter to high-ranking court officials. His wife (on the left) is bringing the plum branch to be sent. His nickname “Kobai” comes from the word for the red plum, which he adored.
The poem in the fan-shaped window above was created by Utagawa Hiroshige II. The waka poem written in beautiful Japanese cursive reads: "As if endowed with a mindful heart, the rising breeze blows gently, naturally spreading the scent of blooming flowers throughout this spring evening."
A pupil of Utagawa Kunisada I, he signed much of his early work "Kunimasa III". His earliest known prints date to 1844. Kunisada I adopted him in 1846 after he married the master's daughter, Osuzu. He took the name Kunisada II c. 1850–51, about the time he inherited the house of Kunisada I. He changed his name again after his master's death, to Toyokuni III. However, because three artists were named Toyokuni before him, Kunisada II is now often known as Toyokuni IV.
A part of the print (the picture and calligraphy on the fan in the upper part) was made by Hiroshige II, a pupil of Utagawa Hiroshige and another member of the Utagawa School.
Copies of this print are held in the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Fuji Art Museum in Tokyo.
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during Kunisada II's lifetime. It bears the artist's signature, "Kochoro Kunisada ga," and is sealed with censor and publisher's seals. Publisher - Tsutaya Kichiso.
AUTHOR: Utagawa Kunisada II (Toyokuni IV), Hiroshige II
TITLE: Chapter 43: Kobai (The Red Plums)
SERIES: "The Remembrance of Fifty-four Chapters from the Tale of Genji" (Omokage Genji Gojūyon-chō ).
CREATED: c.1864
PUBLISHER: Tsutaya Kichiso
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing circa 1864-65
OVERALL SIZE: Full oban size 14" X 9"
The condition is very good. Good detail and colors, with some minor paper toning. Very minor paper loss at the edges. No backing - the paper is fragile; be very careful!
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