Artwork
Scenes from the Tale of Genji
Scenes from the Tale of Genji is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Tosa School. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This pair of Japanese folding screens depicts select episodes from the Tale of Genji, a seminal 11th-century novel by Murasaki Shikibu.
- Accession no.
- 1948.124.1
- Credit line
- Gift of William G. Mather
About this work
Overview
This pair of Japanese folding screens depicts select episodes from the Tale of Genji, a seminal 11th-century novel by Murasaki Shikibu. The screens feature multiple scenes from the story, arranged amidst golden clouds and landscape elements.
Subject & Meaning
The screens illustrate the love life of Prince Genji and the emotional journeys of the women in his life, as narrated in the novel. The non-linear arrangement of scenes highlights pivotal moments in the story.
Technique & Style
The composition combines figural scenes with decorative golden clouds and landscape motifs, characteristic of traditional Japanese screen painting. The arrangement of six episodes per screen creates a visually complex, episodic narrative.
History & Provenance
Inspired by Murasaki Shikibu’s early 11th-century novel, the screens reflect the enduring influence of the Tale of Genji on Japanese art. Provenance details are not specified in the provided information.
Context
Originally, these screens would have served as temporary dividers in an open-plan Japanese architectural space, contributing to both the physical and aesthetic environment.
Artist & collection
