#kozeri

Trefoil Knots Fude de mannen, ink, watercolour

The sisters Oigimi and Nakanokimi, daughters of the Eighth Prince and half-sisters to Ukifune. The elder Oigimi is Kaoru’s love, while the younger Nakanokimi becomes Niou’s wife. I thought about separating them into two illustrations, but their story is so intertwined and my laziness is such that I didn’t. Also, it’s nice to have another doubled-up illustration like Paulownia Court. Otherwise I will never get through all these people…

Agemaki (“trefoil knots”) is a symbol more heavily associated with Oigimi, and comes from a poem Kaoru writes to her. In fact, Arthur Waley uses it as her name in his translation. But I think it also works as symbolism for both sisters together; Oigimi even treats Nakanokimi as an extension of herself, so the imagery of the entwined knots makes a lot of sense to me. That said, Royall Tyler brings up a good point. These two are supposedly so close. Why the heck are they not talking to each other about their plans?? Why does everything have to turn into such a big mess?? They could have been so happy!! Ah well, no drama no story.