The Third Princess and a Cat, from the "New Herbs I" (Wakana I) chapter The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari} by Matsuno Chikanobu (Japanese, active 1716–35)

Matsuno Chikanobu (Japanese, active 1716–35) · 1749-01-01

This exquisite 1749 painting, 'The Third Princess and a Cat' by Matsuno Chikanobu, held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrates a pivotal moment from 'The Tale of Genji,' one of Japan's most famous literary works.

The artwork showcases the Third Princess in a beautifully patterned kimono, interacting with her cat. Chikanobu's delicate brushwork is evident in the intricate details of her garment and the cat's soft fur. While appearing serene, this scene holds a subtle but significant detail that drives a major plot point.

In 'The Tale of Genji,' the Third Princess's pet cat, meant to be leashed, escapes during a game of kickball. Its escape leads to an unexpected encounter between Prince Genji's son, Yūgiri, and the princess's lady-in-waiting, Murasaki. This seemingly minor incident sets in motion a dramatic series of events central to the narrative.

It's a wonderful example of how a single, small detail in a painting can unlock an entire story. What other hidden clues do you think might exist in classical art?

Details

It shows the Third Princess and her cat in a garden.

Her elaborate kimono hints at her status and the courtly world.

The decorative blue border with floral motifs frames the central scene and provides a rich textural contrast.

The gnarled branches and needles of the pine tree create a naturalistic setting and add texture to the composition.

Transcript

This 1749 painting illustrates a scene from The Tale of Genji. It shows the Third Princess and her cat in a garden. Her elaborate kimono hints at her status and the courtly world. Look closely at the cat, a key figure in this story. The cat has a long cord tied to its neck. In the tale, the untied cat escapes and causes a scandal. This tiny detail sets a major plot in motion.