Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji

early 17th century

Not on view

The size, geometric motifs, and extensive use of pearl shell suggest that this tray may have been intended for trade to Europe. The imagery, however, derives from the Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s most famous literary works. Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 978–ca. 1014), this lengthy book traces the customs of the aristocratic society and the tumultuous love life of Hikaru Genji, a distant member of the imperial family.

The tray illustrates a moment when Genji (seated in the cart and not visible) passes by a former illicit lover while traveling. Both are assailed by bittersweet memories as they glimpse each other in passing.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

江戸時代関屋蒔絵螺鈿盆
Title: Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Black lacquer with gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay
Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); D. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Purchase, Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation Gift, 2002
Object Number: 2002.2
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Sake Ewer (Hisage) with Chrysanthemums and Paulownia Crests in Alternating Fields, Lacquered wood with gold hiramaki-e and e-nashiji (“pear-skin picture”) on black ground, Japan — Sake Ewer (Hisage) with Chrysanthemums and Paulownia Crests in Alternating Fields
Japan
early 17th century

Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest, Lacquered wood with gold, silver hiramaki-e, Japan — Shelf for Cosmetic Boxes (Kurodana) with Wild Grapevine and Family Crest
Japan
first half 17th century

Sutra Box (Kyōbako) with Lotus Pond, Lacquered wood with gold togidashimaki-e, hiramaki-e, and e-nashiji (“pear-skin picture”), Japan — Sutra Box (Kyōbako) with Lotus Pond
Japan
early 17th century

Stand with Autumn Grasses and Flowers, Lacquered wood with gold hiramaki-e and e-nashiji (“pear-skin picture”), Japan — Stand with Autumn Grasses and Flowers
Japan
first half of the 17th century

Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses
, Embroidery and gold leaf on plain-weave silk patterned with warp floats, Japan — Robe (Kosode) with Shells and Sea Grasses
Japan
early 17th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.