Title: Parody of "Narihira's Journey to the East" (Mitate Azuma-kudari)

Medium: Color woodcut

Date Of Execution: 1797-98

Dimensions: 14 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches

Signature: Unsigned as is usual for the center sheet

Format Japanese: Oban

References And Exhibitions:

Lawrence Smith, Ukiyoe: Images of Unknown Japan, Second ed. (1988; reprint, London: The British Museum, 1989), reproduced in color p. 95 and as frontispiece in black and white . Muneshige Narazaki, ed., Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in European Collections (New Yo

Beauties parody Episode Nine from the "Tales of Ise" (Ise monogatari), Ariwara no Narihira's 10th century collection of tanka poems. In this incident, the exiled poet/courtier (here played by a beauty in contemporary dress) stops to admire Mt. Fuji, the very top of which can be seen in the upper left of the image. The triptych is rare in that all of the characters are half-length and bust figures. Only three triptychs of half length figures are known in all of Utamaro's work. Rare

Price: (US) $12,000.00

Inventory Number: UK1518