The Yūgao chapter fro "The Tale of Genji"

The novel Genji monogatari (1021A.D.), decribes the romantic affairs of Prince Hikaru Genji. Genji was a son of the fictitious Emperor Kiritsubo and the name "Genji" is another reading of the name "Minamoto." In the novel, Genji meets a mysterious nameless woman, whom he calls "Yūgao" after the moonflowers growing near her house. Yūgao dies quickly after consummating their love, wilting like a flower, the victim of the spirit of one of Genji's former lovers. Her spirit is seen in this print, floating through the moonflowers.