Published 1892, Chapter 3, Utsusemi (The Cicada Shell) belongs to Genji gojūshi jō (Tales of Genji). Gekkō’s fifty-four Genji designs correspond to the chapters of The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early eleventh century. By translating the court novel into Meiji-period prints, the series made a foundational work of Japanese literature available through carefully selected gestures, interiors, gardens, and seasonal references.
The title identifies the design’s particular figure, episode, object, or place, anchoring Gekkō’s composition in a larger network of historical narrative and cultural association. The catalog identifies men, story, and women among the principal motifs. Gekkō uses their relationship to clarify action, season, setting, and narrative emphasis rather than treating them as interchangeable decoration.
Gekkō’s print style is noted for painterly contours, soft color transitions, and reserved paper, effects achieved through the collaborative disciplines of block carving and hand printing.
Additional information
| Editions | First Edition |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Yokoyama Ryohachi |
| Size | Aiban |
| Subjects | men, story, women |
| Year Published | 1892 |
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