Plate with Japanese court woman and birds
The design of an elegant court woman in a garden is one of the few export motifs that is uniquely Japanese. This design was inspired by the fifth chapter of the famed Tale of Genji, in which the young protagonist peeks at a lady as she is releasing a bird from a cage. Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 973–1014), this novel recounts the life, tumultuous loves, and caddish behavior of Prince Genji.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.