Artwork Page for Scenes from the Tale of Genji

Details / Information for Scenes from the Tale of Genji

Scenes from the Tale of Genji

源氏物語図屏風

late 1700s

Tosa School

(Japanese)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
One of a pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on gilded paper
Measurements
Image: 154.5 x 351.2 cm (60 13/16 x 138 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William G. Mather 1948.124.1
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Folding screens served as temporary dividers in traditional Japanese open-plan architectural spaces. This pair was inspired by Japan’s most celebrated work of literature, the Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, an attendant to the empress in the early 11th-century imperial court. The novel follows the love life of the “Shining Prince” Genji and delves into the psychological states of his many companions. Distinct episodes are nestled within a matrix of golden clouds and landscape elements. Each screen includes six episodes presented in a nonlinear fashion, capturing scattered highlights of the story.
A horizontally oriented six-panel gilded screen depicts narrative scenes separated by expansive gold clouds. Figures with light skin tones in vibrant robes occupy open-walled buildings and landscapes. At lower left, a blue river snakes between white, snow-covered banks. A large pine tree leans over a central veranda where figures gather. To the right, more people congregate near a dark blue pond, framed by hills and dense trees speckled with dark green needles.

Scenes from the Tale of Genji

late 1700s

Tosa School

(Japanese)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork