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The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54

Isome Tsuna Japanese

Not on view

The fifty-four volumes in this spectacular set of Genji books are bound between colorful gold brocade textile covers with varied designs. The prolific artist, author, and editor Isome Tsuna, known for her calligraphy manuals for women, not only copied this entire Genji text but also designed and painted its 223 illustrations. The circular shape of the figures’ heads, their pink cheeks, and the stylized gold bands are hallmarks of her style.

The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54, Isome Tsuna (Japanese, born ca. 1640, active late 17th century), Eight books from a set of fifty-four; ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan

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The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54, Isome Tsuna (Japanese, born ca. 1640, active late 17th century), Eight books from a set of fifty-four; ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan
The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54, Isome Tsuna (Japanese, born ca. 1640, active late 17th century), Eight books from a set of fifty-four; ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan

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