remnants of burned scroll mounted to paper decorated with gold flakes; colorful scenes of men and women interacting alternating with cursive text panels

The Tale of Usugumo, first half 18th century

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The Tale of Usugumo follows a young nobleman from the northern province of Mutsu who paid frequent visits to the courtesan Usugumo in the New Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. The tale was not disseminated broadly; this handscroll is the only known extant copy. According to the postscript, the scroll once included a note and signature by the courtesan Usugumo herself, hinting at a close connection between her and the scroll owner of the scroll.

This handscroll has led a life of its own, encapsulated in its current appearance. The work was significantly damaged in a fire, which resulted in the loss of about one third of the tale’s text and illustrations. The burnt scroll was remounted on a handscroll and decorated with gold flecks.

Details
Title
The Tale of Usugumo
Artist Life
1682 - 1752
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.114
Provenance
Baba Zuiō; Kuki Ryūichi; Kuki Saburō (Baron Kuki, Director of the Tokyo National Museum (in the Meiji period) and his son, Saburo Kuki.) Richard Lane until June, 1967 Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 263
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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remnants of burned scroll mounted to paper decorated with gold flakes; colorful scenes of men and women interacting alternating with cursive text panels