Lady Tokiwa Fleeing with Children, 1850s
Utagawa Kunitsuguexpand_more
Ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Cultureexpand_more 2013.29.170
Not on Viewexpand_more
In 1159, the powerful clan leader Minamoto Yoshitomo was defeated by Taira Kiyomori, and Lady Tokiwa fled through the snow with their three children: Imawaka, Otowaka, and Ushiwaka (aka Minamoto Yoshitsune, destined to become one of the most famous samurai warriors). No other works are known by the mysterious Kunitsugu, and until recently it was believed that this painting dated to the 1820s. However, the discovery of the similar-looking print by Kuniyoshi from around 1848 suggests differently. The painting cannot have been done prior to the print as Kuniyoshi was a successful and well-known artist who would not have copied a work by an unknown painter. It seems plausible then that Kunitsugu created the painting after Kuniyoshi's print, perhaps on commission.
Details
- Title
- Lady Tokiwa Fleeing with Children
- Artist Life
- active 1850s
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.170
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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