The amazing print "Hotaru"(Fireflies) from The Tale of Genji is by Kaoru Saito. The Tale of Genji is a piece of famous Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century (Heian period). It's about the life of Hikaru Genji, son of the emperor, and also about the aristocratic society of that period.

Behind the story of "Hotaru"(Fireflies) from the tale of Genji ...... A young and beautiful woman,Tamakazura, receives many love letters every day. She started to get attracted to the handsome man “Hotaru-no-miya” among them. When Genji found out, Genji told Hotaru-no-miya about it. He visited Tamakazura's room excitedly without knowing Genji was hiding to see how it goes. When Hotaru-no- miya confessed his love,  Genji had hidden fireflies and released them. Kaoru Saito depicts this very moment when she glows mysteriously, yet beautifully in the dark. 

Technique: Aquatint, Mezzotint, and Engraving
Paper size: 15 inches wide by 17 and 7/8 inches tall (38 x 45.5 cm)
Image size: 8 and 5/8 inches wide by 8 and 3/4 inches tall (22 x 22.5 cm)
Sheet number: 70/85
Date: 1986
Signed: Pencil signed by the artist
Condition: Pristine condition

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