Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)

1786-1865

Sixth Month
(Minazuki)

signed on left and right sheet, Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga, and in the center sheet, Kochoro Toyokuni ga, titled on the right sheet Mizunashizuki (Minazuki), with publisher's seal To yamaguchi (Yamaguchi-ya Tobei of Kinkyodo), and censor's seals Hama and Magome (Magome Kageyu) on each sheet, ca. 1849-51

oban tate-e triptych 28 3/4 by 14 1/8 in., 73.1 by 35.9 cm

This Inaka Genji triptych is from an untitled series based on the theme of the twelve months.At center, Katsuragi emerges from mosquito netting which pools around her. To the left, her father enters uninvited while Mitsuuji evesdrops. At right, Biwanosuke sees the Mitsuuji's letters and asks to see them while a maidservant adjusts a lantern behind him.

References:
Andreas Marks, Genji's World in Japanese Woodblock Prints, 2012, p. 160, no. 152, G174
Waseda University Library (archive.waseda.jp), accession no. B0142
(inv. no. 10-1851)

price: $1,650