“‘Little Purple Gromwell’ (Wakamurasaki): Shōshō,” from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase)

ca. 1845–61

Not on view

A woman ties her sash as paper fallen from her sleeve blows away in the breeze. Ordinarily, her disheveled appearance and packet of tissue papers would suggest she is a common prostitute. However, she represents Tegoshi no Shōshō, mistress of Soga Gorō, from the famous story of the Soga brothers’ vendetta. The name “Wakamurasaki” on the scroll-shaped insert above links the print with Chapter 5 of Genji, asking viewers to conflate this woman with young Murasaki from the tale. The violet-purple colors in Shōshō’s kimono evoke the name “Murasaki,” which means purple, while the airborne papers imitate the flight of Murasaki’s famous escaped pet sparrow, also shown above.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

歌川國芳画　「源氏雲浮世画合　若紫 / 少将」
Title: “‘Little Purple Gromwell’ (Wakamurasaki): Shōshō,” from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase)
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: ca. 1845–61
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock ōban print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: 14 × 9 1/2 in. (35.6 × 24.1 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Ronin Gallery, 2018
Object Number: 2018.893.1
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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