Scenes from the Tale of Genji (Translation)
源氏物語屏風 江戶時代 六曲一面 紙本著色 (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This screen illustrates six episodes from The Tale of Genji, written by court attendant Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The scenes are from such chapters as “Paulownia Court,” “Festival of the Cherry Blossoms,” and “Picture Contest” with more than sixty characters represented. Diagonal compositions and roofless architecture allow a close look at the intricate figures and objects inside. Painted in the Iwasa-school style with delicate brushwork, the screen captures Japanese aristocratic society and courtly life during the Heian period.
Genji-e 源氏絵
Iwasa School 岩佐派
Iwasa school style
Edo period (1615-1868)
Unsigned
None
None
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Endowment
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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