The tale of Genji : a Japanese classic illuminated / John T. Carpenter and Melissa McCormick ; with Monika Bincsik and Kyoko Kinoshita ; preface by Sano Midori.
Publisher:
Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Copyright Date:
2019
Description:
368 pages : color illustrations, photographs, portraits ; 29 cm
Catalog of an exhibition held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from March 5-June 16, 2019. Includes bibliographical references (pages 349-360) and index. "The Tale of Genji: A Japanese Classic Illuminated" : March 5-June 16, 2019, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.
Contents:
Preface / Melissa McCormick. Genji at a glance: fifty-four scenes from the Tale / John T. Carpenter and Melissa McCormick -- Essays. Learning the "women's hand" in Heian Japan: kana calligraphy and The Tale of Genji / John T. Carpenter -- Beyond narrative illustration: what Genji paintings do / Melissa McCormick -- Evolving iconographies of The Tale of Genji: early modern interpretations of a Yamato-e theme / Kyoko Kinoshita -- Genji and good fortune: bridal trousseaux in the age of Tokugawa shoguns / Monika Bincsik -- Catalogue. Heian court culture and the transmission of the tale : entries 1-13 -- Ishiyamadera and the Buddhist veneration of Murasaki Shikibu : entries 14-24 - Monochrome Genji pictures and the conventions of Hakubyō : entries 25-34 -- Imagining Genji through Tosa-School paintings : entries 35-52 -- Innovations and interventions in later Genji painting : entries 53-64 -- An elegant lifestyle inspired by Genji: lacquers, garments, and games: entries 65-89 -- Genji and print culture: from Ukiyo-e to Manga : entries 90-106 -- Appendices. Shinden architecture and The Tale of Genji / Akazawa Mari -- Genji at a glance: fifty-four scenes from the Tale / Melissa McCormick.
Summary:
"This will be the first major loan exhibition in North America to focus on the artistic tradition inspired by Japan's most celebrated work of literature, The Tale of Genji. Written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting in the early eleventh-century imperial court, and often referred to as the world's first psychological novel, the tale recounts the amorous escapades of the "Shining Prince" Genji and introduces some of the most iconic female characters in the history of Japanese literature. Covering the period from the eleventh century to the present, the exhibition will feature more than 120 works, including paintings, calligraphy, silk robes, lacquer wedding set items, a palanquin for the shogun's bride, and popular art such as ukiyo-e prints and modern manga. Highlights include two National Treasures and several works recognized as Important Cultural Properties. For the first time ever outside Japan, rare works will be on view from Ishiyamadera Temple--where, according to legend, Shikibu started writing the tale." --Metropolitan Museum of Art website. "With its vivid descriptions of imperial society, gardens, and architecture in early eleventh-century Japan, The Tale of Genji--often referred to as the world's first novel--has captivated audiences around the globe and inspired artistic traditions for a thousand years. Scenes from the tale adorn lavish screens, robes, lacquer boxes, incense burners, games, and even palanquins for transporting young brides to their new homes. This handsomely designed and profusely illustrated book introduces the outstanding art associated with Genji, while exploring the tale's wide-ranging influence on Japanese culture, design, and aesthetics into the modern era from Ukiyo-e to manga. Through discussions of more than one hundred works, this groundbreaking publication illuminates the classic tale's place within the history of Japanese literature and calligraphy. While highlighting key episodes and characters, the volume also raises issues related to the tale's female authorship and readership as well as to its Buddhist reception." --Publisher's description
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.