“‘A Lovely Garland’ (Tamakazura): Tamatori-ama,” from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase)

1845–46

Not on view

Kuniyoshi’s dramatic image derives from the medieval tale Taishokkan, “The Great Woven Cap,” which recounts legendary events from the life of the courtier Fujiwara Kamatari (614–669). Here, his humbly born lover, the beautiful diver Tamatori, recovers a precious jewel stolen from Kamatari by the dragon king of the sea. She battles one of the dragon’s minions, a fearsome octopus, clutching the jewel in one hand while brandishing a dagger in the other. The connection to Chapter 22 of Genji is the jewel (tama) in the chapter title, “Tamakazura,” which is the name of Genji’s beautiful ward.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

歌川國芳画　「源氏雲浮世画合　玉鬘 / 玉取蜑」
Title: “‘A Lovely Garland’ (Tamakazura): Tamatori-ama,” 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: 1845–46
Culture: Japan
Medium: Woodblock ōban print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: Vertical ōban format; 14 3/8 × 9 7/8 in. (36.5 × 25.1 cm)
Sheet: 21 1/2 × 15 3/4 in. (54.6 × 40 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Alan and Barbara Medaugh Gift, 2019
Object Number: 2019.4
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Women Near a River, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Triptych of woodblock prints; ink, silver, and color on paper, Japan — Women Near a River
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Boys Play-acting a Daimyo Procession, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Pentaptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan — Boys Play-acting a Daimyo Procession
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Travelling in a Snowstorm, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Travelling in a Snowstorm
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ca. 1830

Roshungi (Chinese, Lu Zhunyi) as a Woman with a Pipe Riding on a Buffalo, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper, Japan — Roshungi (Chinese, Lu Zhunyi) as a Woman with a Pipe Riding on a Buffalo
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Nichiren in Snow at Tsukahara, Sodo Province, Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Nichiren in Snow at Tsukahara, Sodo Province
Utagawa Kuniyoshi
ca. 1840

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