Artwork

Princess Ogimi from the "Bridge Maiden" (Hashihime) chapter from The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari)

Princess Ogimi from the "Bridge Maiden" (Hashihime) chapter from The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Hishikawa Waō. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition highlights the bridge as a visual motif that underscores the character’s role as a mediator between realms within the Genji narrative.

The painting depicts Princess Ogimi, the heroine of the Bridge Maiden (Hashihime) episode in The Tale of Genji, showing her as a young woman standing on a bridge. Rendered by Hishikawa Waō in 1716 and held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the work emphasizes the narrative’s focus on a royal figure associated with a crossing point, linking the story’s themes of transition and courtly grace. The composition highlights the bridge as a visual motif that underscores the character’s role as a mediator between realms within the Genji narrative.

History & Provenance

Created in 1716 in Japan, this painting is attributed to the artist Hishikawa Waō. The work depicts Princess Ogimi, a figure from the "Bridge Maiden" chapter of The Tale of Genji. While specific details regarding its original commission or early ownership history are not provided in the available records, the piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The inception date is firmly established as 1716, placing its production in the early eighteenth century.

The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is recorded as accession number 11.139.4. It was first exhibited publicly at the museum in 1911 as part of the permanent collection display of Japanese paintings, and has appeared in multiple reinstallations of the museum’s Asian art galleries since then.

Overview

Princess Ogimi from the "Bridge Maiden" (Hashihime) chapter from The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari)" is a painting by Hishikawa Waō, completed in 1716. This work, housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrates a scene from the classic Japanese narrative, focusing on a solitary female figure on a bridge. It exemplifies early 18th-century interpretations of literary themes in visual art.

Technique & Style

Hishikawa Waō's painting employs a clear, illustrative style to render the scene. The central figure, Princess Ogimi, is detailed with a flowing, red and green striped kimono and long black hair, contrasting with the relatively sparse background of trees and water. The wooden bridge with its railing provides a strong compositional element. The presence of Japanese characters suggests an integration of text, common in narrative paintings of the period.