''‘Lady of the Evening Faces’ (Yūgao): Yazama’s Wife Orie (Yazama-shi no shitsu Orie),” from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase) 1845 - 1846

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from his series “Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures” depicts “Yazama’s Wife Orie” from the classic Japanese novel The Tale of Genji. The print features a woman in black and red clothing walking through a snowstorm, holding a scroll in her hand. A small dog follows closely behind her. The composition is dynamic, with the woman’s figure taking up most of the space, emphasizing her importance. This image is an excellent example of Kuniyoshi’s signature style, which blends traditional ukiyo-e conventions with dramatic realism and a vibrant palette.