Explore ‘Young Murasaki’ in the Series 54 Chapters of Rustic Genji

In the classic Genji Monogatari, Prince Genji falls in love with a teenage girl named Murasaki, who will be the most beloved of all the women in his passionate life. 

When he sees her for the first time, the young Murasaki is crying because some little birds have escaped from her.

The same scene is seen in this parody of rustic Genji and fake Murasaki, in which two little birds have been released from their cage and are fluttering among the blossoms of a cherry tree.

Seated in the picture is the onnagata actor (specialising in female roles) Arashi Daizaburō, who plays Katakai.

Next to him is the actor Bandō Hikosaburō, who plays the courtesan Akogi, with whom the gallant Mitsuuji falls head over heels in love because of her physical attractive

Her sophisticated hairstyle features large ornamental hairpins and combs. 

Her fashionable kimono is decorated with plovers flying over the sea shore, and her obi (belt) features a large carp fighting against the current.