English text by Irene Luo
Pictures courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Often described as the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji is a classic work of Japanese literature that has captivated readers for centuries. It weaves together a vibrant tapestry of aristocratic life in the Heian period centered around the political ascension and romantic escapades of its charismatic protagonist Hikaru Genji, or “Shining Genji.” Filled with humor and wit, the tale was written by the noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu, who served Empress Shoshi in the Heian imperial court (794–1185).

This silk hanging scroll shows Murasaki Shikibu as she is about to begin composing her masterpiece, The Tale of Genji. Painted by Tosa Mitsuoki in the 17th century, this work is on loan from Ishiyamadera Temple, where legend says Murasaki Shikibu first started writing. It is the first time this piece has been exhibited outside Japan.

In honor of the enduring influence of The Tale of Genji on Japanese art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has brought together more than 120 works of art from 32 public and private collections in Japan and the United States, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties that have never left Japan. For the first time ever outside Japan, rare works will be exhibited from Ishiyamadera Temple—the spot where legend claims Shikibu first began writing the tale.

This exquisite pair of six-panel folding screens is a National Treasure of Japan. Titled Channel Markers and The Barrier Gate, each represents a chance encounter between Genji and one of his former lovers. They were painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu in 1631.

In the latter portion of the classic tale, Genji’s political fortunes decline, and he is devastated by the death of his greatest beloved. He leaves the capital and retires to a small mountain temple. The Tale of Genji is thus closely associated with the idea of “mono no aware,” a complex term depicting the beautiful, yet tragic ephemerality of life. It’s an idea closely intertwined with Buddhist philosophy.

Titled The Uji Princesses, this pair of six-panel folding screens was painted in 1912 by Matsuoka Eikyu, who hoped to revitalize the traditional yamato-e style for the modern era.

“The Tale of Genji has inspired generations of artists over centuries, and ours is the first exhibition to explore this phenomenon in such a comprehensive way,” said Max Hollein, director of The Met. The exhibition features art spanning a thousand years, including paintings, calligraphy, silk robes, lacquerware, a palanquin for a shogun’s bride, as well as popular art like ukiyo-e prints and contemporary manga.

Titled The Death of Genji, this manga image of Genji was painted by Waki Yamato and appears in her manga adaptation of the classic The Tale of Genji. The manga version was originally published from 1980 to 1993.

The exhibition will be on display at The Met from March 5 to June 16, 2019.

(The Exhibition Official Website)

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