An Unfortunate Tale, II

Many of the artists who designed ukiyo-e prints during the Edo period (1615-1868) also painted pictures. These paintings were not meant to be used as designs for prints, as these were generally based on much freer sketches. Instead, they were individual works, purchased by a wealthier clientele.

This is the second of three paintings held by the V&A depicting scenes from a popular story called 'An Unfortunate Tale'. Kyôsai, one of Japan’s most prolific artists, follows the sad plight of a woman.

The first work in this series shows a woman being kicked out by a man with a pipe (museum no. D.1385-1897). In this, the second in the series, the woman is shown weeping on a mound, watched by a perplexed couple. In the next image in the series, she is tormented by a gang of children (museum no. D.1387-1897).