National Diet Library Newsletter
No. 180, December 2011
Selections from NDL Collection
Yuya
-colored pictorial manuscript featuring
yokyoku (a Noh song) titled "Yuya,"
derived from an episode of the "Tale of the Heike"
Copy dating from the end of the 16th century to the early 17th century
1 volume (30.9×22.9cm)
Owned by the National Diet Library
It is estimated to have been produced between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century. The text is written inside the illustration, retaining the atmosphere of a picture scroll of the previous era.
Yuya is the heroine's name. The story goes like this: Yuya served Taira no Munemori in Kyoto. She hoped to go home to see her sick mother, but Munemori did not grant her request and ordered her to accompany him for a cherry-blossom viewing party. But when Yuya sang and danced at the feast in the Kiyomizu Temple, Munemori was moved by her singing and allowed her to go home at last. It has been one of the most popular yokyoku since olden days.
This scene describes Yuya praying to the Goddess of Mercy in the Kiyomizu Temple. On the right, Otowa no Taki, the waterfall after which the "Kiyomizu (clear water)" temple is named, is depicted. The main hall famous for its stage with cherry blossoms in full bloom is depicted on the left. You can see a woman in the hall: She could be Yuya praying for her mother.