Ch3- The Shell of the Locust (Karasemi)

Catalog note / 解説

Chapter #3, The Shell of the Locust (Karasemi) Kunisada’s illustrations of the Tale of Genji- The Tale of Genji is considered the world’ oldest novel. Written by Murasaki Shikibu a woman of the Heian period (11th century Japan) it chronicles the life of Genji. Lady Murasaki’s lavish novel is a masterwork of Japanese literature. Kunisada’s wonderful 19th century woodblock prints of each chapter of the novel continued a tradition illustrating Murasaki’s work. The present print is an original 19th century woodblock of Kunisada’s incredible complete illustration series. The prints were designed and printed in 1854. The publisher used the highest quality paper and inks for this special Kunisada…