歌川國芳画　「源氏雲浮世画合　須磨 / 玉織姫」|“‘Exile to Suma’ (Suma): Tamaori-hime,” from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase)

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with Utagawa Kuniyoshi captivating woodblock print, *“Exile to Suma” (Suma): Tamaori-hime from his series *Scenes amid Genji Clouds Mat with Ukiyo-e* (ca. 1845–61). This ōban nishiki-e—meaning "brocade picture" for its lavish multicolored inks on paper—depicts Tamaori-hime a poignant figure from *The Tale of Genji*, the world's first novel by Murasaki Shikibu (early 11th century). In this exile scene at Suma Bay, Kuniyoshi reimagines the literary heroine amid dramatic clouds, blending classical narrative with the playful ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world") style. Kuniyoshi, a master of the Utagawa school, was renowned for his dynamic warrior prints, supernatural tales, and clever parodies. Here, he ingeniously pairs episodes from Genji's romantic odyssey with ukiyo-e motifs, making elite literature accessible to everyday viewers during Japan's isolated Edo period (1615–1868). The series reflects the era's obsession with Genji imagery, seen in everything from fans to kabuki theater. Crafted via meticulous woodblock printing—carving separate blocks for each color—this 14 × 9 3/16 in. masterpiece showcases Kuniyoshi's skill in bold lines, expressive poses, and atmospheric depth. A gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Ronin Gallery in 2018, it invites us to ponder timeless themes of love, loss, and exile through Japan's floating world artistry.

About the Artist

Utagawa Kuniyoshi · 1797–1861

Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) was born in Edo to the silk-dyer Yanagiya Kichiyemon, originally bearing the childhood name Yoshisaburō. From a young age, he assisted in his family's pattern design work, which sharpened his innate mastery of color and textile motifs that would permeate his later prints. At around twelve years old, his prodigious drawing skills drew the attention of the renowned Utag...