Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
(Japanese, 1786–1864)
The Shell of the Locust (Utsusemi), from The Tale of Genji, chapter 3
Object Details
Artist
Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Date
ca. 1851
Medium
Color woodblock print
Dimensions
9 5/16 × 13 15/16 inches (23.7 × 35.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Joanna Haab Schoff, Class of 1955
Object
Number
2011.017.038
This scene depicts Genji’s pursuit of Utsusemi, who feels shame that her rank is too far below tha(…)
This scene depicts Genji’s pursuit of Utsusemi, who feels shame that her rank is too far below that of the prince to warrant his affection. Nevertheless, Genji has been sending her many letters and has attempted to visit her a couple of times. On his third visit, Genji secretly watches Utsusemi play Go with her stepdaughter. Utsusemi senses “that something was amiss. Detecting an unusual perfume, she raised her head…She could see a form creeping toward her. In a panic, she got up…and slipped from the room.”
