Artist: Utagawa Kunisada
Title: Ch3- The Shell of the Locust (Karasemi)
Date: 1857
Details: More information...
Source:
Japanese Art Open Database
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Description:
Chapter #3, The Shell of the Locust (Karasemi) Kunisada’s illustrations of the Tale of Genji- The Tale of Genji is considered the world’ oldest novel. Written by Murasaki Shikibu a woman of the Heian period (11th century Japan) it chronicles the life of Genji. Lady Murasaki’s lavish novel is a masterwork of Japanese literature. Kunisada’s wonderful 19th century woodblock prints of each chapter of the novel continued a tradition illustrating Murasaki’s work. The present print is an original 19th century woodblock of Kunisada’s incredible complete illustration series. The prints were designed and printed in 1854. The publisher used the highest quality paper and inks for this special Kunisada series. Each print is identified by the “Genji mon” that marks every chapter. The “Genji mon” and title are located in a unique cartouche in the shape of an opened clamshell. Each print has a lovely speckled border as the margin, printed in a lively pattern of random geometric shapes. The colors are rich and the detail is exquisite. Kunisada’s illustrations of Genji are a wonderful opportunity to collect an original 19th century Japanese woodblock print that has real meaning and a wonderful story behind it. Chapter #3, The Shell of the Locust (Karasemi) Genji and an attendant outside a sumptuous home under a full moon. Beautiful color and fine detail, great accents with the stone lantern, large katana, and beautiful kimonos. Signed- Kunisada ga; with title- Karasemi Publisher’s seal- Tsutaya Kichizo Dated- 1854Censor’s seal- aratame Image size- 9 1/4” x 13” (oban tate-e)
