Comparisons of Women to the Hundred and Eight Heroes of “The Water Margin” [Tsûzoku suikoden gôketsu hyaku hachi nin no hitori]: Seidôjin (Woman caught in a rainstorm)
Utagawa Kuniyasu
Description
Gallery Rotation Fall 2013
Utagawa Kuniyasu
Japan, 1794–1832
Comparisons of Women to the 108 Heroes of Outlaws of the Marsh: Seidôjin
Edo period (1615–1868)
1825–32
Color woodblock print on paper
Gift of Herbert Barrows, 2002/2.91
Subject Matter:
The "Outlaws of the Marsh" is a piece of classical Chinese literature. The core plot behind the story is called "108 Stars of Destiny." In this portion of the story, it is told that 108 demons were reborn as 108 heroes. The image of this woman is designed to represent one of these 108 heroes from the story, though which one is unclear.
Physical Description:
An image of an elagantly dressed woman in a complex kimono. The kimono consists of various flower images along the base and near the back. The lowest level of material depicts blue flowers with butterflies. Near the back of the kimono are yellow, orange, white, and blue flowers. In this same area are two crests. Another segment of the kimono, shown at the front, displays red and white stripes. The woman also wears high black sandles which can be seen poking out beneath the kimono and an elaborate gold headpiece. Behind her is a small figure, possibly a male attendant, looking up and behind the woman at the white flowers shown in the top left corner of the image. The attendant wears a blue kimono and hat with flower print and the same red and white striped material around his waist. A text inscription is above the attendant's head.
Usage Rights:
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