Author: Utagawa Kunisada II (二代目国貞), here signed as Baichōrō Kunisada (梅蝶楼国貞).
Subject: Firefly (hotaru, 蛍).
Series: Traces of fifty four scenes from Genji (omokage Genji gojūyonchō, 俤げんじ五十四帖).
Number: 25/54.
Genre: Genji-e (源氏絵), mitate-e (見立絵), kasen-e (歌仙絵).
Size: large (ōban, 大判) 36,1cm x 24cm (14,21 x 9,44 kinches).
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo (蔦屋吉蔵), here as Tsutakichi han (蔦吉版).
Period: c. 1864.
Trimmed: yes
Backed: no
Code: UKSII02001

Condition: the general condition is good. The color has not faded and remains quite clear and vivid. There are a few minor stains, but none that are significant. There are no wrinkles or fixes. Embossing was used to decorate the background.

The subject of this print is "Hotaru", the twenty-fifth chapter from The Tale of Genji. In this scene, Genji and Lady Tamakatsura (玉鬘) are having a conversation outdoors. The fireflies scattered around them remind us of the chapter's title.

At the top, a fan-shaped panel frames a poem from the chapter:

"Koehasete mi wo nomi kogasu hotarukoso ifuyori masaru omohinaru rame"

"こゑはせて身をのみ焦かす蛍こそいふよりまさる思ひなるらめ"

"The unspoken love of the burning firefly is deeper than the words you spoke out."

Genji is in an advantageous position without opponents, having delegated many responsibilities to To no Chujo. Tamakatsura, troubled after a confession from Genji, distrusts him despite his remorseful and fatherly behavior. Genji encourages the young woman to meet Sochi no Miya, but she shows no interest, and Sochi no Miya leaves the palace disappointed.
At an event held at the Lady of the Village of Falling Flowers, Genji and the lady discuss other nobles, with her showing interest in Sochi no Miya and Higekuro. The lady leaves Genji alone for the night, despite him being willing to stay.
During the rainy season, the women remain indoors reading and copying stories. Genji finds Tamakatsura reading and starts a discussion about literature. Murasaki, also passionate about literature, is encouraged by Genji not to share immoral stories with Princess Akashi.
Yugiri often visits his half-sister, remembering past times with Kumoi, whom he couldn't marry. This reignites a rivalry with Kashiwagi, similar to that between their fathers. To no Chujo, the father of many children, continues to reflect on the loss of Yuugao, unaware that Tamakatsura is his daughter.