Title : The Story of Giö (Hotoke-gozen) : Dancing Before Kiyomori

Artist : Suzuki Harunobu

Date : c. 1765

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : This print depicts a scene from the story of Giö. Giö was a beautiful dancer in Kyoto favored by Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful samurai in the 12th century. However, one day a prominent younger dancer, Hotoke-gozen, appeared at Kiyomori's mansion and danced for him. As a result, Giö was replaced by Hotoke-gozen. At the end of the story, both dancers abandon this transient world (romantic love, in particular) and take holy vows. In this scene, Hotoke-gozen dances in the presence of Kiyomori and Giö. The delicate and tender depictions of the girls are reminiscent of Sukenobu's works, as seen on the left-hand side. (from Kamigata-e exhibition 4/1/2008-)

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