Author: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞) here as Toyokuni (豊国).
Subject: Asagao (朝顔).
Series: Fifty four scenes from Genji (Genji gojūyon chō, 源氏五十四帖).
Number: 20/54.
Genre: Genji-e (源氏絵).
Size: medium (chūban, 中判) 25,2cm x 18,1cm (9,92 x 7,12 inches).
Publisher: Tōkokudō/Kiritanidō (桐谷堂).
Period: c. 1852.
Trimmed: no
Backed: no
Code: UKSI01018
Condition: despite showing slight signs of age, the print is in good condition. The colors are clear
and well-defined, even though they have lost some of their tone, especially in the upper left quadrant.
There are no folds or noticeable stains. There are no damages or repairs.
Asagao, or Japanese morning glory, is the thirty eigth chapter from the famous Tale of Genji.
The chapter's name is aptly represented by the flowers enclosed within the square cartouche in the upper left corner.
Here is a summary of the chapter
Following Prince Momozono's death, Asagao exits her Vestal role at Kamo and returns to the Capital, residing with her father
and Aunt Nyogo. Genji seizes this chance to approach the Lady he admires, but she remains distant, only responding with brief
verses, urged by her servants.
Genji's visits to his aging aunt remind him of life's fragility; at Momozono Palace, he meets the once affectionate, now aged
Lady-in-Waiting, still lively, which deepens his regret for the more accomplished and prematurely deceased Fujitsubo.
Despite rumors at court suggesting a bond with Asagao, leading to Murasaki's insecurity, Asagao stands firm against Genji's
advances, considering monastic vows.
In a dream, Fujitsubo chastises Genji for his past sins affecting her afterlife. Shaken, Genji prays for her soul, hoping
for redemption.