Art of Ukiyoe
Fine Japanese Prints
Masterpieces and rarities, from early Ukiyoe to Shin Hanga, all guaranteed original.
Our Newest
Okumura Toshinobu
Beni-e: Winter: The Snowy Garden, from the series of Pleasures of the Four Seasons (1725-35)
奥村利信
红绘: 四季之乐 雪之庭 冬 (1725-35年)
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861)
Liu Bei Visits Kongming Three Times in the Snow
Featured Print:
From Ancient China to Edo Japan
So much to unpack and enjoy in this triptych by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, but I’m making it my new featured print for one main reason – snow. It’s been a snowy winter in New York and Tokyo for sure, but spring will be here soon so let’s honor the departing season with this wonderful and fascinating print.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a historical novel from 14th Century China that depicted the fall of the Han Dynasty and the political maneuverings, intrigues and military campaigns of that era. It is considered one of the great works of Chinese literature, featuring the legendary 108 outlaws of Liangshan and more than 800 characters spread over 100 chapters totalling more than 800,000 words. Mixing truth and fiction, it follows the adventures of several revolutionaries, especially the future Emperor Liu Bei(刘备), pictured here in his straw coat on the right side of the middle sheet.
This is a crucial scene – Liu Bei has visited the statesman and strategist Zhu Ge Liang(诸葛亮) – also known as Kongming(孔明) – three times to convince him to join his efforts to overthrow the deeply corrupt Han leaders. Liu Bei’s efforts could not be thwarted by the deep snows and freezing temperatures -- eventually his determination overcomes the doubts of Zhu Ge Liang, who joined his efforts – in time, together, they would rule.
So why was a Chinese legend so popular in Edo Japan that it was portrayed by the great Kuniyoshi? The answer is almost as interesting as the plot itself.
Known in Japan as Tusuzoku Sangokushi, it was painstakingly translated by monks in Kyoto and published between 1689 and 1692. It became a big hit, as we say today.
And why not? In the end, the idea of brave warriors overthrowing corrupt leaders is universal. Good versus evil needs no translation. Indeed, many great works of Chinese literature lived on in Japan. And this one remained popular right up until Kuniyoshi’s time.
Meanwhile, we glimpse Zhu Ge Liang in his home, dressed in classical attire, cosseted in warmth. His attendants open the door to see who it could be at this hour – and, for the third time, it's that persistent Liu Bei.
You can’t keep a good man down.
Sharon
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