This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III, 1786–1864) belongs to the series Edo Murasaki Gojūyon-cho (“The Fifty-Four Chapters of Edo Murasaki”), a mid-19th-century reinterpretation of scenes inspired by The Tale of Genji. Created around the 1850s, the design blends theatrical elements with elegant bijin-ga portraiture, characteristic of Kunisada’s expressive and richly coloured style.
As one of the most celebrated and prolific artists of the Edo period, Kunisada was known for his masterful portrayals of actors, courtesans, and literary characters. Prints from this series remain sought after for their dynamic storytelling and exceptional craftsmanship.
