Sleeve Love-letter Takasago (Sodefumi Takasago)
Artist/Culture
Okumura Masanobu 奥村 政信
(Japanese, 1686–1764)
Date1710's
Mediumwoodblock print in ink on paper; sumizuri-e
Dimensions26 x 34.9 cm (10 1/4 x 13 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Object number1926.862
Label TextThis picture is a parody on the legend that there dwells the spirit of the maiden of Takasago whom a son of Izanagi wedded in an old pine tree at Takasago in Banshu, and that the spirit of her husband dwells in another ancient pine at Sumiyoshi in Settsu, just across the strait. This couple, known as Jo and Uba, are reputed to have lived to a very great age, and ever since their death (which occurred at the same hour on the same day) their spirits abide in the trees except on moonlight nights when they resume human shape and pursue the task of sweeping up pine needles. On New Year morning they are also reputed to greet the rising sun together. This print is a mitate (a likening picture/fanciful transposition) of Jo and Uba, as a youth who scatters love-letters and a young woman who is sweeping them up with a brOn View
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