11/30/2021
This antique 19th century Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock was designed by artist Utagawa Kunisada (1786 - 1865). The woodblock is part of a series that details scenes from The Tale of Genji, an 11th century novel by Murasaki Shikibu focused on life in the Japanese imperial court during the Heian period.
This circa 1851 woodblock is from Chapter 53 and depicts a young woman kneeling before Prince Genji and another female as she unwraps a koto in preparation of playing the instrument for her audience. The intimate scene includes a screened wall which has been left open, revealing a wooden deck with a body of water just outside. There is a stone lantern located next to the water with a light glowing inside, suggesting the scene is taking place at dusk. The edge of the woodblock has a geometric border which is characteristic of the series. The artwork is housed under glass with an ecru mat in a simple black frame.