Ashikaga Mitsuji and Amusing Views of Kiyomizu, 1856 (woodblock print on paper)

Ashikaga Mitsuji and Amusing Views of Kiyomizu (Ashikaga Mitsuji Kiyomizu yuran). Scene shows shirabyoshi dancer entertaining Genji-inspired figure, Ashikaga Mitsuji. The print was inspired by Ryutei Tanehiko's best selling serial novel Fake Murasaki and Country Bumpkin Genji (Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji). Left panel shows 4 women sitting on the floor of a building, open at most sides, with some paper screens to the right. One figure serves tea to another, a tray with dishes is laid in the foreground. Lanterns run along the top of the print from the roof of the building. The central panel shows a figure in highly decorative robes and a coloured headdress, holding a fan, facing towards the seated figures. She appears to be dancing to music being played by a woman seated behind her, holding a drum. Right panel appears to show 3 female onlookers to the entertainment, standing outside the building, looking towards the dancer and musician. The background shows a hillside covered in trees and other buildings. Publisher: Mikawaya Testsugoro. Aratame seal. Date seal: Dragon 10 (1856). Toyokuni, Utagawa III (Kunisada)