Jihei of Kamiya Eloping with the Geisha Koharu of Kinokuniya

Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro 1798-1799 Woodblock print on paper

This piece tells the story of one of the most famous Shinju plays, written by famous playwright Chikamatsu, Shinjû ten no Amijima ("The Love Suicides at Amijima"). On the left with the large black drapery depicts the Geisha Koharu of Kinokuniya, on the right we see Jihei of Kamiya. Jihei and Koharu are devoted to each other, but can’t find an acceptable way to stay together that doesn’t leverage shame on Jihei’s family for being with a courtesan. The two lovers decide instead to die together, hoping that they will attain the Western Paradise in death through their prayers and through Buddha’s compassion. This couple is depicted in many different woodblock prints, this scene utilizes Umegawa’s close-up technique once again in order to magnify the emotion of the couple. Jihei is blowing out the flame of a paper lantern.