Genji Drawn in Different Styles: View of Akashi Bay (Kakiwake Genji, Akashi ura no kei) 1869

This woodblock triptych, made by Toyohara Kunichika, depicts scenes from the Tale of Genji, set against the backdrop of Akashi Bay. The full moon, a prominent symbol, illuminates the figures. The moon’s glow is not just light; it’s a mirror reflecting human emotions and destinies. Observe the figures' robes, adorned with motifs of flowers, each carrying layers of meaning. We can trace similar floral patterns back through centuries of Japanese art, where the cherry blossom represents the fleeting nature of life, a theme as old as Gilgamesh. The pine trees denote longevity, a wish projected into the future. Like the phases of the moon, these symbols do not merely fade away; they reappear, transformed. Each era interprets and reinvents these visual cues, imbuing them with new relevance. They engage us on a deep, subconscious level, evoking emotions of love, loss, and longing that transcend time.