Ishiyama[dera] Genji no Ma by Kunisada - 1858

Edo, Japan: Uoei-han, 1858. Kunisada 1786-1864. Ishiyama [dera] Genji no ma. From a Genji series, Genj goshu yojo (The lingering flavors of Genji). HxW 14 x 9.75 inches. Oban tate-e. Date: Ansei 5. 1858, Horse 2. Signed: Ichiyosai Kunisada Toyokuni hitsu. Publisher: Sakanaya Eikichi (seal name was Uoei-han). It is well documented that from 1857-1859 Sakanaya Eikichi published Kunisada's series, Genj goshu yojo. The particular publisher seal appearing on this print was in use from 1858-1864. The print depicts Murasaki Shikibu at her desk. Condition: Very Good. Almost no wrinkles or soiling or fading. A few very small holes near the perimeters [wormage?]. Margins are trimmed. Fully backed. Very few tape remnants to the back. Comments: Karazuri or "empty printing" technique, meaning gauffrage or blind-stamped paper to a quite charming effect. Beige paper background with a spatter effect of tiny, random yellow-gold and bronze dots. Sumptuous robe in blue, yellow, green and black, the costume against a dark bronze throw, itself on a Chinese style carpet. A beautifully proportioned light red desk, with scrolls, open book, ink tray and ink brush on the desk top. The prolific Kunisada produced masterpieces and mediocrities. This is Kunisada at his best. Compare to a print in the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Poetess Murasaki Shikibu at Ishiyama Temple in Otsu (shore of Lake Biwa) by Harunobu, circa 1768. Kunisada was very likely influenced by this or similar prints. "This is another depiction of Lady Murasaki, the author of the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), dressed in an Edo period kimono. Seated at a desk on the open veranda of Ishiyama Temple, she appears to be composing her famous novel. Lady Murasaki is often depicted as if she is contemplating the story, leaning on the writing desk and holding a brush. By the mid-Edo period, this image had become a conventional icon of Lady Murasaki. During the Edo period (1615-1868), more women from the middle class, composed of rich and powerful merchants and farmers, had become better educated. They were required to write, compose poetry, and be well versed in etiquette. As a part of this trend, Lady Murasaki might have been used as the ideal female image from the classical Heian period, from which all cultural and social protocols were born. (from Tale of Genji exhibition 1/11/2006)". Signed by Illustrator. Presumed First Edition. Very Good. Illus. by Kunisada. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.