Yoshitoshi 芳年: The Ghost of Genji's Lover, Yugao 源氏夕顔巻

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 芳年 (1839-2892)
Title: The Yugao Chapter from the Tale of Genji
Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon 月百姿   Date: 1886

One of the top designs in this series, we see the ghost of Yugao wafting through her garden beneath a full moon, her long hair tumbling down behind her, anadorned. The moonflowers are in full bloom and surround her translucent figure. Yugao was one of Prince Genji’s lovers. She lived in a dilapidated house surrounded by an overgrown garden. After exchanging poetry, the two consummated their passions one night. She then died, killed by the jealous spirit of one of Genji’s former lovers. The Tale of Genji was written in the 11th century by Lady Murasaki and is considered the world’s first novel. All of the viewers of this print when it was issued would have been very familiar with the story.

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Some minor restorations in margin.  Dimensions: ôban (34.7 x 24.4 cm)
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon
References: Roger Keyes, Courage and Silence, 1983, p. 462, no. 478.28; Shinichi Segi, Yoshitoshi the Splendid Decadent, 1985, p. 61, no. 30; Eric van den Ing & Robert Schaap, Beauty and Violence, 1992, p. 74, no. 54.28; Akita Museum of Modern Art, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi: The Last Ukiyo-e Artist of Genius, 1999, p. 30, no. 91; John Stevenson, Yoshitoshi's 100 Aspects of the Moon, 2001, no. 29; Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Yoshitoshi: 32 Aspects of Women and 100 Aspects of the Moon, 2009, p. 26, no. 2.29; Andreas Marks, Genji's World in Japanese Woodblock Prints, 2012, pp. 152-154; Yuriko Iwakiri, Yoshitoshi, 2014, p. 153, no. 231. Seal: Taiso
Signature: Yoshitoshi

SKU: YOT929