Folding Screen The Tale of Genji, Japan Edo Period Early 19th Century

Folding Screen, The Tale of Genji, Japan, Edo Period, Early 19th Century

Painting on paper, mineral pigments and gold leaf, mounted on a six-panel screen. Borders of silk brocade and lacquered wood, with engraved brass protective fittings.

This folding screen from the Edo period, dating to the early 19th century, depicts several scenes from The Tale of Genji, a major literary work written by Lady Murasaki in the early 11th century. This novel, often considered the first novel in history, narrates the life and loves of Hikaru Genji, a prince of the imperial court.

The central part of this screen is particularly remarkable. It illustrates Chapter 24 of The Tale of Genji, in which court maidens, dressed as butterflies and kalavinka birds, dance beneath cherry blossoms. The beauty of this scene is striking, showing both court figures as well as dancers and musicians. The kalavinka, a mythical bird whose melodious song is considered the voice of the Buddha, adds a spiritual dimension to this representation.

The event described in this chapter is an official ceremony of reading Buddhist sutras, sponsored by the Empress. This ceremony, reflecting the piety and support of the imperial court towards Buddhism, highlights the importance of religious rituals in the aristocratic society of the Heian period (794-1185). Buddhist rituals were often integrated into court festivities, symbolizing both religious devotion and cultural refinement.

The other scenes depict more intimate moments, such as the one on the right where women are busy washing a child in a lacquered basin.

Historically, the Edo period (1603-1868) was marked by relative peace and economic prosperity, which allowed for a flourishing of the arts. Folding screens like this one are typical examples of the art of this period, combining aesthetic and narrative elements to capture the essence of classic literary works.
106 x 362 cm