326 - Utagawa Yoshifuji (1828–1887)

Utagawa Yoshifuji (1828–1887) The Appearance of the Geisha Omasa and Kannon Before Saju Double-page spread from an illustrated book The scene depicts a man kneeling in a Japanese interior, identified by the inscription “Shinke no Saju.” Before him, amid swirling clouds, appears the geisha Omasa, accompanied by a figure of Kannon dressed in a long white robe. The supernatural nature of this vision is heightened by the swirling clouds entering the room, contrasting with the everyday setting consisting of a screen, an opening onto the garden, and a few utensils placed on the tatami mats. The calligraphic text on the right-hand side reproduces Ukon’s poem, the thirty-eighth poem of the Hyakunin isshu: “Forgotten by you, I do not lament my own fate; but I fear for your life, you who swore never to forget me. ” The poem evokes the divine punishment that may befall one who has broken a vow of love. The Buddhist inscription at the bottom translates as: “Having fallen from Diamond Mountain, the one who invokes the power of Kannon dwells in the heavens like the sun.” Woodblock print Signed: “Ipposai Yoshifuji ga” on the left-hand page Period: Edo (circa 1840–1860) Dimensions: 16.5 x 20.5 cm. Two book pages bound together. Slight creases and rubbing, a few stains and foxing spots, minor signs of wear, and surface imperfections.