Reproduction (apparently part of the Shochiku costume collection) of the kimono worn by ikiryo (living ghost) Lady Rokujo on famous ukiyoe [焔 honô (the flame of passion)] by female artist Uemura Shoen.
Spiderweb in the wisteria is such a mysterious pattern really fitting its subject!
(source)
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First birthday stream announcement!!
It's finally here! The long awaited Genji Monogatari powerpoint video!
It took me a year to finally edit and post, but the stream has been cut to half its length to make my powerpoint the best watching experience possible, with added fact checking notes and edits!
It didn't make the birthday premiere, but I also have someone adding closed captions, and I hope to add chapters to the video as well! Whether you're interested in Heian Era classical literature or just like to listen to people passionately ramble about niche subjects, it'll be a really fun video!
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From Genji Monogatari by Miyako Maki, 1988-1990.
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Hello! i saw your kimono drawing guide, and i have some questions.
I saw this art and was wondering about a few things:
what is the tied knot& tassel things on the sleeves for?
and, what hairstyle is the lady wearing?
If you know, please tell me!
If you don't know, could it be possible to direct me to someone that might? Thank you for taking the time to answer, if you're able! Have a lovely night/day!
Hi and thank you for your question :) The ukiyoe you are sharing is by Utagawa Kunisada and titled Genji rokujo no hana (源氏六條の花), or "Cherry Blossoms at Genji's Rokujô Mansion". It is part of a three prints set:
It depicts an imaginary scenery from The tale of Genji, and the young lady playing with her pet cat is the princess Onna San no Miya.
Characters are not shown wearing period accurate clothes (from Heian era), but luscious Edo period attires. Because of her rank, the young princess is wearing what Edo princesses would, especially the trademark hairstyle named fukiya 吹輪.
You'll find below a translation from a costume photobook I did a while ago. Note the big bridge style front hairpin, and the drum like one in the back. Princesses from the buke (samurai class) would also have dangling locks called aikyôge (I also found the term okurege), but I am not sure kuge princesses (noble class) wore them too.
There is a whole dispute about this hairstyle, as we are not actually sure it was worn as such by actual princesses. This style may have in fact started as a somehow cliché bunraku/kabuki costume used to depict princesses (think a bit like Western Cinderella-types princess gowns). Nowadays, it is found only as a theater style, or worn by Maiko during Setsubun season.
For comparison, here is character Shizuka Gozen from kabuki play Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura:
As for the dangling cords, I covered those in a past ask about kamuro that you can find here (part 1 / part 2). TL:DR: I am still not sure what is the exact name for those decorations (kazari himo? sode no himo?).
But their use is pretty much linked to 3 things:
1) luck + protection (knots have auspicous meanings),
2) reinforcing weak points of garnment (here: sleeves wrist opening)
3) cuteness impact, as much like furisode (long sleeves kimono) those dangling ribbons were mostly seen on girls/young unmarried ladies by the Edo period
All the design elements chosen by Utagawa Kunisada for his Onna San no Miya stress own young and carefree she is still (which considering her narrative arc is in fact a bit sad... like all Genji Monogatari stories). BUT: bonus points for pet cat!
Hope that helps :)
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if you enjoy “Sex In the City” (1998-2004 A.D.) or perhaps “True Blood” (2008-2014 A.D.)
you may also enjoy “Genji Monogatari” (c. 1000 A.D.)
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A pamphlet from the Tokugawa Art Museum (徳川美術館) in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, featuring a scene from “The Tale of Genji” (源氏物語) by Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部) as depicted in the illustrated handscroll “Genji Monogatari Emaki” (源氏物語絵巻) produced around 1120-1140
Acquired at the museum November 27, 1994
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Handmade, Bean-to-Bar, Fair Trade Chocolate Bars | Literary-Inspired Flavors
Our Current Flavors:
1. Alice in Wonderland: Candied Rose Petals in Milk Chocolate.
2. Sherlock Holmes: Earl Grey Tea and Honey in White Chocolate.
3. Jane Eyre: Bilberries in Milk Chocolate.
4. Pride and Prejudice: Blackcurrant and Cinnamon in Dark Chocolate.
5. Les Miserables: White Cherry in Dark Chocolate.
6. Treasure Island: Rum and Coconut in Dark Chocolate.
7. The Raven: Violet in Dark Chocolate with Milk.
8. The Tale of Genji: Uji Matcha Green Tea in White Chocolate.
9. A Little Princess: Masala Chai in Milk Chocolate.
10. The Great Gatsby: Mint Julep in Dark Chocolate.
11. The Call of Cthulhu: Nori Seaweed, Ginger Spice, and Candied Ginger in Dark Chocolate.
12. The Picture of Dorian Gray: Strawberries and Juniper Berries in Dark Chocolate.
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