Author: Utagawa Kunisada II (二代目国貞) here signed as Baichōrō Kunisada (梅蝶楼国貞).
Subject: Makibashira (巻はしら).
Series: Traces of fifty four scenes from Genji (omokage Genji gojūyonchō, 俤げんじ五十四帖).
Number: 31/54.
Genre: Genji-e (源氏絵), mitate-e (見立絵), kasen-e (歌仙絵).
Size: large (ōban, 大判) 35,1cm x 24,2cm (13,81 x 9,52 kinches).
Publisher: Tsutaya Kichizo (蔦屋吉蔵), here as Tsutakichi han (蔦吉版).
Period: c. 1864.
Trimmed: yes
Backed: no
Code: UKSII02003
Condition: rich and vibrant colors, suggesting minimal fading over time. There are no significant stains
or discoloration. The print appears free from major creases or wrinkles, and there are no evident areas of
damage or repairs, indicating that it has been well-preserved.
At the top, a fan-shaped panel frames a poem from the chapter which content The content is depicted in the image below,
where a man holds a branch and a message in his right hand:
"Ima wa tote ya tokare na tomo nare kitsuru maki no hashira ni ware o wasuruna"
"いまはとてやとかれなともなれきつるまきのはしらにわれをわするな"
"Now that I am leaving, even if I should be forgotten, do not forget the bond we made, marked on the trunk of the tree."
In the 31st chapter of "The Tale of Genji," Tamakatsura reluctantly becomes Higekuro's lover and soon finds herself
pregnant, leading to a secret marriage sanctioned by To no Chujo.
Amidst a complex backdrop of familial and court tensions, Tamakatsura navigates her forced marriage and the emotional
and social repercussions that follow, including estrangement from Higekuro and reflections on missed opportunities.
Her story intertwines with Genji's, highlighting themes of unfulfilled love and societal obligations within the Heian court's
intricate relationships.