Two Courtesans Frightened by an Approaching Courtier by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

A Legend from Yoshitsune

Artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Tokyo, Japan, 1798 - 1861)

Date1843-1847

Mediumcolour woodcut on paper

ClassificationsPrints

DimensionsOverall: Height: 36 cm, Width: 24.7 cm
Frame: Height: 65.1 cm, Width: 50.1 cm

AcquisitionBequeathed in 1967 by Norman J J Walker.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG007469

Keywords

About MeKuniyoshi was born in Edo (Tokyo). He became a pupil of Toyokuni I in 1811 and was contemporary with Kunisada (Toyokuni III). Kuniyoshi was also influenced by Hokusai, Torin III and European prints. Kuniyoshi was talented in almost all subjects of ukiyo-e, but he especially earned a good reputation for his 'musha-e' (samurai warrior's portraits) after 1827.

The theme of this print is the romantic story of 'Joruri-hime' written by Shotei Kinsui in the late Edo period.
The Japanese text describes a story.
''One day Joruri-hime, a lady who was known for her beauty, fell in love with wandering Yoshitsune when they had happened to play the flute together. However Yoshitsune had to continue on his journey, and left her behind with his flute.''
In the insert, Yoshitsune is peeping through the fence, being tempted by the flute music. Minamoto Yoshitsune was a famous historical figure in the twelfth century, who was a heroic general during the civil wars. 'Joruri-hime' is one of the series of his legends.
Kuniyoshi successfully depicts the drapery of costumes, despite the restricted colours allowed by the printing regulations of 1842-43. The colour scheme of indigo and black.
The signature at the bottom reads Chouohrou Kuniyoshi with the artist's paulownia seal. The signature in the insert reveals it to be by a pupil of Kuniyoshi.
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Joruri-hime fell in love with wandering Yoshitsune when they happened to play the flute together. In the legend, Yoshitsune had to continue his journey and left her behind with his flute.