Picture: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Production date: 1844-47 (Kouka 1~4)

At Odawara, the story of the encounter of 13 years old Minamoto no Yoritomo and his future wife Masako from Houjou Family is illustrated as the main theme. After Minamoto clan defeated by Taira clan during the Heiji Rebellion (A battle took place because of the dispute over political power around Emperor), Yoritomo was exiled to Izu and later he met Masako for the first time at Odawara. The scene of young Yoritomo who wears long sleeve Furisode kimono (children’s kimono) with his bangs still remain (During Edo period, a matured man shave the bangs) comes to visit Masako on a snowy day is illustrated. Although the actual story took place at the late Heian period, both Yoritomo and Masako are illustrated with the Edo period custom.

This is a part of the Toukaidou series ukiyo-e, but unlike the other works that focus on the landscapes and views of post stations, in this series the scenes based on legends, tales, kabuki drama, and joururi plays that relate to each post station are illustrated. On the upper part of each work, an explanatory note is written and the picture relates to the notes is illustrated on the lower half. This series was rare since three very popular artists from Utagawa School, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi and Kunisada (Toyokuni III) were all involved to produce the series together. Furthermore, six publishers were collaborated to produce this series.
(In this exhibition, works by Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuniyoshi are displayed.)