Utagawa Kunisada woodblock print, Meiji Taishō Early Shōwa Miniature, Bijin-ga, ca. 1900–1935

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) — Genji, Meiji–Taishō–Early Shōwa
Woodblock print, miniature edition, ca. 1900–1935
From the series Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji (偐紫田舎源氏, “The False Murasaki’s Rustic Genji”)

This miniature Japanese woodblock print reproduces Utagawa Kunisada’s (1786–1865) celebrated illustrations for Ryūtei Tanehiko’s Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji, a parodic retelling of the classic Tale of Genji. Originally published between 1829 and 1842, the story became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring multiple reprints into the modern era.

Artist’s signature: Kunisada ga (国貞画)

Poetic inscription (interpretative translation): “In the village of elegance, blossoms are many.”

Format: miniature print (6.2 × 9.5 cm) on washi paper
Highlights: mica (kirazuri) decorative effect still visible
Genre: bijin-ga (portrait of a beauty), Genji-e tradition

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).
The frame shown in the photos is used solely to illustrate possible display. The listing includes the woodblock print only, without the frame.

Series Note
Series: Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji (偐紫田舎源氏, “The False Murasaki’s Rustic Genji”)

Originally published between 1829 and 1842, Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji was a hugely popular illustrated novel written by Ryūtei Tanehiko (1783–1842) and illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865). It offered a humorous and lavishly illustrated parody of the classical Tale of Genji, adapted for the tastes of the late Edo audience.

Due to its success, the work was reprinted many times well into the modern era. Early 20th-century reprints (Meiji–Taishō–early Shōwa, ca. 1900–1935) often appeared in miniature format as collectible prints, retaining the original attributions: “Written by Tanehiko, drawn by Kunisada.” These reprints carried decorative features such as mica (kirazuri) and gold-speckled backgrounds, echoing the luxurious aesthetics of Edo surimono.

Today, these miniature reprints form a distinct category within ukiyo-e collecting: not Edo-period originals, but highly evocative artifacts that bridge Edo literary culture with modern Japanese printing traditions.

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.