“A Boat Cast Adrift” (Ukifune), from Collection of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Stories (Wakan koji setsuwa zu)

first half of the 17th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

The painting shown here was inspired by the memorable episode from Chapter 51, “A Boat Cast Adrift,” in which on a snowy day, Niou secretly brings Ukifune to a secluded mansion on the Uji River. On the way, he swears his unchanging love, comparing it with the evergreen mandarin orange tree (Citrus tachibana) growing on a small island in the river. This work was originally part of a handscroll with twelve paintings treating subjects from ancient Chinese and Japanese legend and literature, three with Japanese themes that depict poignant episodes from Genji. Iwasa Matabei no doubt chose the scenes because they incorporate a dimension of psychological suggestiveness, which became a trademark of his distinctive painting style.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

References

岩佐又兵衛筆　和漢故事説話図　「浮舟」
Title: “A Boat Cast Adrift” (Ukifune), from Collection of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Stories (Wakan koji setsuwa zu)
Artist: Iwasa Matabei (Japanese, 1578–1650)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: first half of the 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Section of a handscroll mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Overall (with mounting): 56 5/16 × 31 1/2 in. (143 × 80 cm)
Image: 14 3/16 × 23 1/4 in. (36 × 59 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Lent by Fukui Fine Arts Museum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art