Kuniyoshi 国芳: The beauty Koga no Tsubone and koto beneath full moon

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)
Title: Autumn moon on Saga Moor (Sagano no shugetsu, 嵯峨野秋月)

Series: Virtuous Women for the Eight Views (Kenjo hakkei, 賢女八景)

Date: 1842-43

The grouping of Eight Scenic Views of landscapes originated in China, in the eleventh century; it was adopted by the Japanese as a grouping of famous landcapes, first of views of Omi, and then later in the Edo period as a grouping of eight of many other things. Here, the eight views are compared with virtuous women from Japanese legends and history. Here we see Kogô no Tsubone next to her koto and leaning on the railing of her veranda, looking out over the autumn landscape. A full moon is above and her thoughts are obviously far away. She was famous for her skilled koto playing and for being the concubine of the emperor. Her story is included in book six of the Tale of the Heike. 

Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good/good condition. Trimming.
Dimensions: 35 x 12.1 cm
Publisher: Iba-ya Sensaburô
Literature: Robinson S21.1. See Chazen Museum. 
Signature: Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY623