- Yume no Ukihashi (The Floating Bridge of Dreams) from The Tale of Genji -

The remarkable print “Yume no Ukihashi” (The Floating Bridge of Dreams) from The Tale of Genji is by Kaoru Saito. The Tale of Genji is a renowned work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century during the Heian period. It depicts the life of Hikaru Genji, the son of an emperor, and offers an intimate portrayal of the aristocratic society of the time.

Behind the story:
“Yume no Ukihashi” (The Floating Bridge of Dreams), from The Tale of Genji — Longing to reunite with Ukifune (the woman depicted in this print), Kaoru stopped by the residence of a monk at Yokawa on Mount Hiei. There, the monk learned of Kaoru’s deep affection for Ukifune and regretted having persuaded her to become a nun. However, yielding to Kaoru’s earnest request, the monk wrote a letter to Ukifune.

Meanwhile, Ukifune, unable to forget her past with Kaoru, was living in the village of Ono, gazing at fireflies along a stream in the lush green mountains. She felt both nostalgic and melancholic as she reflected on the past.

In this print, the heroine Ukifune’s innermost emotions are beautifully and exquisitely expressed amid the soft glow of fireflies.

Technique: Aquatint, Mezzotint, and Engraving 
Paper size: 15 inches wide by 17 and 3/4 inches tall (38 x 45 cm)
Image size: 9 and 1/4 inches wide by 11 inches tall (22.5 x 28 cm)
Sheet number: 8/85 
Date: 1990
Signed: Pencil signed by the artist
Condition: Overall in good condition. There are a few small spots (they appear to be clear color stains) on the top margin, which are very subtle, unlikely to be noticed by a casual observer, and will be matted out. 

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