Published 1892, Chapter 4, Yugao (The Twilight Beauty) 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 figure belongs to the bijin tradition but is presented through Meiji clothing, activity, and social setting, making the design evidence of changing ideals as well as beauty imagery. The catalog identifies gate, 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 | gate, men, story, women |
| Year Published | 1892 |
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