Genji and the Young Damsels (Middle sheet of a triptych), from the series of “Popular Stories of Prince Genji” (Furyu Yatsushi Genji): Wakana no jô (chapter 34)
Hosoda Eishi
Description
Hosoda Eishi
Japan, 1756–1829
Genji and the Young Damsels from the series Stylish Genji Disguises
(Fūryū Yatsushi Genji)
Edo period (1615–1868)
Late 18th century
Triptych, woodblock print on paper
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker, 1948/1.190–192
For the series Stylish Genji Disguises, Hosoda Eishi created fifty-four
scenes, one for each chapter of The Tale of Genji. Each set of three
prints depicts a male dressed in ancient court robes and female
characters in modern dress.
This print relates to a moment in chapter thirty-four when a young
courtier playing kickball with his friends falls in love with a princess
he has glimpsed through blinds. But Eishi has reversed the gender
roles: instead of a group of men, now there is only one, who is
surrounded by women, several of whom are eyeing him. This playful
subversion allowed Eishi to showcase the most up-to-date womens’
fashions and hairstyles. Examples of some of the objects shown in this
print, such as the hair accessories and the scroll box in the left panel,
can be seen in the nearby case.
Summer 2024 Gallery Rotation
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For a detailed description, see comments under 1948/1.190
Exhibited in "Stories from the Past: Narrative in Asian Art," January 24 – July 25, 2004.
Subject Matter:
See 1948/1.190
Physical Description:
The middle section of the triptych depicts three women and a young boy. Two women are on the deck-like structure of the building and look to the right. behind them and in the grass a woman bends down toward the young boy who sits holding a sword or a katana. There is a signature on the right edge and two seals on the bottom edge in the middle slightly to the left.
Usage Rights:
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