Evening Mist” (Yūgiri), from Collection of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Stories (Wakan koji setsuwa zu)
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 episode in which Yūgiri tries to visit his beloved Ochiba no Miya at a mountain cottage in Ono, at the western foot of Mount Hiei. He declares his love for her through the night, but she continues to refuse him entry. The empty space separating Yūgiri on the right side of the composition seems to suggest the loneliness of unrequited love. 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 these scenes because they incorporate a dimension of psychological suggestiveness, which became a trademark of his distinctive painting style.
Artwork Details
- 岩佐又兵衛筆 和漢故事説話図 「夕霧」
- Title: Evening Mist” (Yūgiri), 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