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Miyuki - The royal outing |
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| In the Twelfth Month there was a royal outing to Oharano. All the ministers and councilors and whole court had turned out for the occasion. The princes and high officials were beautifully fitted out. Their guards and grooms, very good-looking, had put on special dresses. The princes and high courtiers in charge of falcons were in fine hunting dress. The falconers from the royal guards were even more interesting, all in printed robes of most fanciful design. Even the skies seemed intent on favoring the occasion, for there were flurries of snow. The procession left the palace at six in the morning and proceeded south along Suzaku Avenue and west on Gojo. Carriages of viewers lined the streets all the way to the river Katsura. The princes of Rokujo and Tamakazura were among the spectators. Tamakazura paid special attention to the Emperor Reizei, her own father, To-no-Chujo, Prince Hotaru and General Higeguro. The emperor in his red robe, who resembled Genji, attracted Tamakazura. It was her opinion that no one compared with him. |
Kuniyoshi, 1845/46 |
At the beginning of the Second Month, Genji set out for Sanjo to inquire about Princess Omiya, who had been ill. At that moment, he told her everything: that the father of his adopted daughter Tamakazura was To-no-Chujo, the Minister of the Interior at present.. Surprised with this news, she called the minister who came over with his many children to see Genji. Genji told him about Tamakazura’s past and asked him to do the honor of tying the ceremonial apron for her. They laughed and wept and the earlier stiffness disappeared. It was very late when they went their separate ways.
Resumed by Mary Nagase. Published by UNESCO.© UNESCO 2000