ELKA_016 ENDEL LEPA KURGIAED / 'ME' AS IN 'MEKURA KAGEKIYO' _ UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I / ENDEL LEPP

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 https://ukiyo-e.org/image/etm/0189200790 

Japanese Print "Seven Variations of the 'Iroha' Alphabet: 'Me' as in 'Mekura Kagekiyo'. Scene: Hyugashima" by Utagawa Toyokuni I 

Artist:Utagawa Toyokuni I

Title:Seven Variations of the 'Iroha' Alphabet: 'Me' as in 'Mekura Kagekiyo'. Scene: Hyugashima

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Source:Edo Tokyo Museum
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MEKURA KAGEKIYO _ AI ÜLEVAADE

Mekura Kagekiyo ("Blind Kagekiyo") refers to the legendary and dramatic later life of Taira no Kagekiyo, a fierce samurai warrior of the Taira clan who fought against the Minamoto clan during the Genpei War (1180–1185). [1, 2]

Legend and Lore
The Fall and Exile: While historical records note his active service and eventual disappearance around the late 12th century, traditional Japanese theatrical and literary works (The Tale of the Heike, Noh, and Kabuki theater) expanded his legacy. [1, 2, 3]
Blindness: In these traditions, Kagekiyo survives the destruction of his clan. Out of intense grief, anger, and refusal to see the new ruling order under the Minamoto, he starves himself or cries until he goes blind, living out his days in miserable exile. [1, 2]
Hyugashima Scene: A famous narrative arc depicts his daughter, Hitomaru, tracking him down to his lonely, impoverished exile on the island of Hyugashima (Hyuga). Disgraced and broken, the blind Kagekiyo initially refuses to acknowledge her, before breaking down and sharing his final farewells. [1, 2]

Art and Representation
Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints: The touching, melancholic reunion of the blind warrior on Hyuga Island became a popular subject in 19th-century Japanese art. Famed printmaker Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) famously featured "Me as in Mekura Kagekiyo on Hyugashima" in his 1856 series Seven Variations of the Iroha Alphabet. [1, 2, 3]