The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) is an epic fifty-four chapter story and is widely considered to be the world’s first novel. Written in the early 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady of the court, the story focuses on the adventures and romances of Prince Genji. Celebrated internationally, the characters and illustrations it has inspired have influenced film, comic books, video games, and animation. The rise of the secular publishing industry in Japan during the seventeenth century led to the creation of numerous printed books and the commercial benefits of serializing prints.

The mass popularity of the Genji story in Japan inspired many adaptations and spin-offs in the following centuries, and became its own popular genre of ukiyo-e. The print here by Kunisada II is from the series Murasaki Shikibu’s Genji Cards. This series of prints is considered to be the pinnacle of Kunisada II’s artistic production, displaying his extensive skill with colour, embossing, and exquisite design.