The Twelve Months of Genji: Snow-Viewing Moon (Genji Junigatsu no Uchi, Yukimi no Tsuki 源氏十二ヶ月之内 - Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞) - Japan - Ansei 5 (1858)

2 sheets of a triptych

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

Ansei 5 (1858) design from the series Genji Jūnigatsu no Uchi (The Twelve Months of Genji). This composition represents Yukimi no Tsuki (Snow-Viewing Moon), a winter scene inspired by Murasaki Shikibu’s classic The Tale of Genji, in which seasonal motifs and courtly elegance are paired with literary allusion.

The scene shows attendants in the snow carrying loads to complete a large snow toad (yuki-gamagaeru), while a nobleman delicately paints the creature’s mouth with red pigment. It is a charming, culturally informative image of Edo-period winter pastimes, rendered with the refined linework and colour harmonies characteristic of Kunisada’s mature style.

Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞, 1786–1865), better known by his studio name Toyokuni III（三代豊国）, was a leading master of the Utagawa school in the late Edo period. A pupil of Utagawa Toyokuni I, he became the central figure of the school and produced a vast oeuvre of bijin-ga, actor prints, and Genji-themed compositions. His work is noted for elegant figure drawing, vivid palettes, and sophisticated compositions—qualities well represented in this design.

Originally issued as a Triptych. One sheet is missing; two sheets survive here as a Diptych.

Condition is fair to good, with age-consistent blemishes including light foxing, stains, small holes (including wormholes), creases, and minor edge tears. Colours remain vibrant overall. Please review the photos for confirmation of condition.

Dimensions of a print: approx. H 36.5cm W 25 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!