Chapter 31 - The Cypress Pillar Fifty-Four Chapters of Genji by Kunisada II

Artist: Kunisada II (1823-1880) Print Title: Chapter 31 - The Cypress Pillar Series Title: Fifty-Four Chapters of Genji 紫式部げんじかるた Date: Circa 1857 Publisher: 蔦屋吉蔵 Sheet Size: Oban, approx. 36 x 24cm Condition: Ver good condition. Original Meiji-era album backing with slight margin trimming. Strong embossing to kimono and hair. Woodgrain patterning to upper areas indicates early impression. No tears, folds, or foxing. Several light creases. See large image below. Item Code: Kunisada II-03 Price: $150 Sold Comments: The Tale of Genji is thought to be the world's oldest novel. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a woman from the Heian period (11th century Japan), and chronicles the life and romances of Prince Genji. This series is considered to be the best works by Kunisada 2. The series were designed and printed around 1857. Apparently the publisher Tsutaya Kichizo used the highest quality papers and inks for this special Genji series. Each print is identified by the “Genji mon” and title that are located in a unique cartouche in the shape of an opened clamshell. Each scene is surrounded by a beautiful speckled gold-coloured margin.