Title : Wild Carnations (Tokunatsu) — 常夏

Artist : Utagawa Kunisada

Date : 1857

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Source : Japanese Art Open Database
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Description : Wild Carnations (Tokumatsu) Kunisada’s illustrations of the Tale of Genji- The Tale of Genji is considered the world’ oldest novel. Written by Murasaki Shikibu a woman of the Heian period (11th century Japan) it chronicles the life of Genji. Lady Murasaki’s lavish novel is a masterwork of Japanese literature. Kunisada’s wonderful 19th century woodblock prints of each chapter of the novel continued a tradition illustrating Murasaki’s work. The present print is an original 19th century woodblock of Kunisada’s incredible complete illustration series. The prints were designed and printed in 1854. The publisher used the highest quality paper and inks for this special Kunisada series. Each print is identified by the “Genji mon” that marks every chapter. The “Genji mon” and title are located in a unique cartouche in the shape of an opened clamshell. Each print has a lovely speckled border as the margin, printed in a lively pattern of random geometric shapes. Chapter #26, Wild Carnations (Tokumatsu)- A young beauty with her attendants in front of a home in the country. Genji was fascinated with this young country girl and referred to her as a “wild carnation” both beautiful and unpretentious. Signed- Kunisada ga; with title- Tokumatsu Publisher’s seal- Tsutaya Kichizo Dated- 1854Censor’s seal- aratame Image size- 9 1/4” x 13” (oban tate-e)

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