Snow at Akashi, 1854, 1st month
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paperexpand_more
Gift of Louis W. Hill, Jr.expand_more P.78.64.42
Not on Viewexpand_more
Despite the title, the subject of this print is not the "Tale of Genji" itself but rather a nineteenth century takeoff of it, the novel Nise Murasaki inaka Genji (False Murasaki and Rustic Genji) written by Ryñtei Tanehiko. Featuring action and adventure, Ryñtei's adaptation of the classical courtly romance became popular among the masses, which prompted ukiyo-e artists to design prints illustrating scenes from the novel. For this print, Hiroshige depicts Mitsuuji, the hero of the novel, visiting a shrine on Akashi beach with his attendants. Hiroshige exercised artistic license by setting the scene in snow, thus creating a fan with a "cool" image for use during Japan's hot summer months.
Details
- Title
- Snow at Akashi
- Artist Life
- 1797 - 1858
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.78.64.42
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Marks, Genji's World in Japanese Woodblock Prints (2012), no. G114-01 (unlisted)
- 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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