Father and Son Reunited: a scene from Utsubo Monogatari [Tales of a Hollow Tree]

Description

This print depicts a scene from the popular tale Utsubo Monogatari [Tales of a Hollow Tree]– the oldest extant full-length story known in Japan. Thought to be written during the tenth century, the tales, which span three volumes, are centered on the character Toshikage. This scene depicts the moment when Toshikage’s grandson, Nakatada, encounters his estranged father, Kanemasa, the son of the Grand Minister. Following Nakatada’s birth, his mother fell upon hard times. Without the protection of her father, Toshikage, she had no choice but to raise her son in the hollow of a tree. Many years later, the boy’s father happened to be passing by the tree as his mother was teaching him to play the koto. Struck by the beautiful sound, he immediately recognized it as belonging to the young Naketada. This charming scene was included in a larger album recording the many exploits of Toshikage and his family.