Collection Online as of November 30, 2023
Portion of Text from the "Wisps of Cloud" (Usugumo) Chapter of The Tale of Genji
源氏物語内薄雲の詞書
Japan, Edo period
(1615-1868)
Album leaf; ink on dyed paper with gold
23.3 x 21.3 cm (9 3/16 x 8 3/8 in.)
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1933.455
Location
not on view
Description
The calligraphy brushed on this paper, decorated with a cherry tree seen through clouds, narrates a portion of The Tale of Genji. A scene often illustrated in painted albums and later woodblock prints, it describes Genji taking leave of his love, Murasaki, to see the Akashi Lady, his other love, whose daughter, now in Murasaki's care, clings to Genji's hem as he moves to depart.