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Kuniyoshi - Surimono of a Mitate of Nise Murasaki inaka Genji

Kuniyoshi - Surimono of a Mitate of Nise Murasaki inaka Genji

Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Date: 1834
Genre: Ukiyo-e
Medium: Woodblock Print

A rare Shikishiban (square format print) surimono of a Mitate of 'Nise Murasaki inaka Genji' with the song 'The path of love is never smooth'
(Modern translation)

Why did you become such an unfaithful person? You chose her over me and made her act, your cleverness is nasty. Is the moon round? Is it round, so it's the moon? It's hard to see what's going on either way. Love between men and women is a pleasure. I know that, though.

All the enka songs in this series share the final phrase, "The world of love is a pleasure, so it's a given." The unfaithful man is inspired by the character "Hikariru Kimi" from The Tale of Genji and the character "Hikariuji" from "Nishimura Genji," who is likened to him. 

This material shows the popularity of "Nishimurasaki Inaka Genji" in the contemporary period. It is also evidence that daimyo also enjoyed kusazoshi. Incidentally, this surimono was on display as one of the Genji pictures at the National Museums Scotland. This material does not have the Sakuracho mark.

[Kyōka]
I gazed blankly at the sky, and the pure whiteness of the moonlight struck me, making me want to reach out and touch it. (It's a laurel tree with a straightforward heart, like a hazy moonlit night, that you'd want to draw close to you.)

The "hazy" and "moonlit katsura" (moon/moonlight) reference the character "Hazy Moonlit Night" from The Tale of Genji and the laurel tree in "Nishimura Genji," which is modeled after him.

Condition: Very good color, silver inks. Not sure if it's backed because surimonos were often printed on thicker paper.

http://user.keio.ac.jp/~sakura/hananari/sdb/srch.cgi?do=s&num=1459355145

$615.00 USD
$615.00 USD
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Who Was Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was one of the most inventive and dynamic designers of ukiyo-e prints in late Edo-period Japan. Born in Edo (modern Tokyo), the son of a silk dyer, he developed an early sensitivity to color and pattern that would later define his work. At age 14, he entered the studio of Utagawa Toyokuni, though he struck out independently in 1814 and initially struggled to establish himself.

Kuniyoshi’s breakthrough came in 1827 with his celebrated series The 108 Heroes of the Suikoden, inspired by a Chinese novel about outlaw heroes. These bold, energetic warrior prints—filled with dramatic compositions, tattoos, and movement - secured his reputation as a master of musha-e (warrior imagery). Yet his range extended far beyond battle scenes: he produced refined landscapes influenced by Western perspective, imaginative triptychs such as the famous giant skeleton of Princess Takiyasha, and numerous depictions of historical and literary subjects.

Known for his wit and ingenuity, Kuniyoshi often circumvented censorship through visual wordplay and satire. He also collaborated with major artists like Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kunisada on popular series. A devoted cat lover, he frequently included cats in his prints and daily life. Despite declining health late in life, Kuniyoshi remained highly influential, training over 70 students, including Tsukioka Yoshitoshi.

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Kuniyoshi Videos

  • Who Was Kuniyoshi?

    Kuniyoshi was a phenomenal artist. An expert at warrior prints. Known for his popularization of tattoos.

    View on YouTube 

  • Unboxing Kuniyoshi's Whale

    Join me as I unbox one of Kuniyoshi's most famous triptychs - Musashi vs the Whale. We learn the background of this print.

    View on YouTube 

  • Good Cats Bad Cats in Ukiyo-e

    We explore cats in Japanese prints. Of course Kuniyoshi was the number one cat lover and included them in many prints.

    View on YouTube 

Collector Reviews

  • It's a great looking piece which I am very happy and excited to add to my small collection! I really appreciate it.

    I enjoy your YouTube videos and I look forward to picking up more prints from you in the future.

    Rick

  • Dear Mr. Richard, opening the package and seeing the incredible bright colours and ornamental abundance of Yoshitoshi's diptych, it was just as printed today! It will be a pleasure to get more of your fine selected prints.

    L. F.

  • Josh and I just opened the package and want to thank you for this amazing Hiroshige print. The condition is better than we expected. Lovely to look at, will bring the family great joy. Happy New Year and thank you again.

    J.
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Guaranteed Authentic

All our original woodblock prints are guaranteed authentic as described and shown. Unlike some print resellers, we don't make any Photoshop enhancements or add filters to our print images. Please check the print images front and back carefully before purchase, if you'd like additional pictures feel free to contact us. If, after purchase, you're not satisfied for any reason, return your print for a full refund within 30 days.