Description:
ōban; nishiki-e; genji-e
Label Text:
This print is signed at lower middle-right and bears both a signature and a red toshidama artist's seal. This version of Kunisada's signature, used from 1847–1851, is read as "Kokuteisha Toyokuni ga" ('drawn by Kokuteisha Toyokuni'), but could possibly also be read as "Kunisada sute Toyokuni" or "Kunisada toneri Toyokuni," meaning "abandoning the name Kunisada, Toyokuni" and "Kunisada, retainer of Toyokuni," respectively; both readings are potential references to Kunisada's assumption of the name Toyokuni, following the death of his master. Beneath the signature is the circular seal of publisher Kobayashi Taijirō then of the firm Bunshōdō. The two circular seals above Kunisada's signature are the nanushi censor seals of Hama Yahei and Magome Kangeyū, who sealed together variously from 1849 until 1852. The title of the series is indicated at upper-right within the red cartouche. This print has been titled based on the maple motif of the brown cartouche, also at upper-right.
In the upper-right corner of the maple-laden cartouche, Kunisada has placed a "Genji mon," a seal meant to represent one of the chapters of the Tale of Genji. This one corresponds to chapter 19, "Usugumo" ('wisps of clouds'). The meaning of this addition is unclear. Though the Usugumo chapter does contain a passage describing Genji's elaborate outfit. However, the description does not match the appearance of the robes in this print.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+2005.393 |
