Chapter 6 - Suetsumuhana

"Suetsumuhana" is Chapter 6 of The Tale of Genji, introducing one of the novel's most gently comic characters: the eccentric, red-nosed princess who lives in isolated poverty in a decaying mansion, preserving the antique customs of her dead father's household with touching literalness. Genji's initial pursuit of her based on rumored beauty gives way to bemused acceptance of her oddness, and he becomes her unreliable patron — providing for her needs while never quite committing. Ebina's print likely captures the curious atmosphere of the crumbling mansion and its strange, faithful inhabitant.