Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III). Conversation Under the Full Moon (The Tale of Genji) / Fan print, 1849-50.

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (歌川国貞) (1786–1865)

Signed: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga) in a red toshidama cartouche

Publisher: Iseya Sōemon (伊勢屋惣右衛門), Marks reference 19-047 | 156d, seal Hanmoto, Ue (板元, 上)

Censor Seal: Double nanushi (Watanabe & Kunigasa)

Date: Kaei 2-3 (1849–1850), based on censor seals.

Media: Uchiwa-e (fan print), color woodblock print, 230 × 297 mm

An elegant moonlit conversation unfolds between a man and woman beneath blossoming cherry branches. The full moon and falling petals create a romantic yet fleeting atmosphere, reminiscent of courtly themes in The Tale of Genji (源氏物語).

The woman on the left wears a multi-layered kimono featuring pinwheel floral motifs and geometric patterns in red, blue, and gold. She lifts a hairpin (kanzashi, 簪) to adjust her hair, suggesting modesty, refinement, or quiet engagement in conversation.

The man on the right wears a dark purple haori (羽織, outer robe) adorned with gentian (rindō, 竜胆) mon, a crest associated with nobility and refinement. His red and white obi features Genji-mon, further reinforcing the aesthetic and symbolic ties to Genji Monogatari.

The gentian mon and purple hues evoke Heian-era literary aesthetics, aligning with Genji Monogatari’s visual traditions. Though the characters in this fan print are not explicitly named, the composition closely resembles the scene “At moon-viewing night, Genji visits Yūgao,” presented below.