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The Shell of the Locust (Utsusemi)), from The Tale of Genji
The Shell of the Locust (Utsusemi)), from The Tale of Genji

The Shell of the Locust (Utsusemi)), from The Tale of Genji

Artist/Maker (Japanese, 1913–1980)
Date1950s
MediumColor woodblock print
DimensionsImage: 8 7/8 × 12 in. (22.5 × 30.5 cm)
Sheet: 9 1/4 × 13 in. (23.5 × 33 cm)
Credit LineGift from the collection of Brondy Shanker
Object number2016.43.22
Status
Not on view
More Information
In this scene one of Genji’s love interests, a woman known as Utsusemi, or cicada shell, plays go with a friend while Genji secretly watches them. Utsusemi recognizes the unique smell of Genji’s incense-scented robes and flees, leaving her outer robe behind. Genji returns home and writes a poem, playing on her nickname by associating her discarded robe with the shell left behind by a molting cicada.
ProvenanceBernice "Brondy" Shanker [1928-2016], Beechwood, OH; Bernice J. Shanker Living Trust, Beachwood, OH; by gift 2016 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
Integral Insects in East Asian Art
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (July 30, 2019 - December 15, 2019 )
Collections
  • Asian
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