Calligraphic Excerpts from The Tale of Genji
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.In this folded album, prose excerpts from Chapter 39, “Evening Mist” (Yūgiri), are inscribed across a gorgeous abstract landscape. The decoration of the paper in gold and silver paint highlighted with flecks of gold creates a radiant effect that recalls the luxurious treatments used for deluxe manuscripts in the Heian period. As a high-ranking courtier, who even served as regent (kanpaku) to Emperor Go-Yōzei, Konoe Nobutada had access to such sumptuous embellished papers. His calligraphy attests to both his mastery of courtly styles and his innovative, muscular aesthetic. Nobutada wrote each character firmly yet gave the columns an elegant, rhythmic flow. The clusters of kana connected by ligatures lend an overall coherence to the composition, even while the unconnected characters stand out.
Artwork Details
- 近衛信尹書 源氏物語抄
- Title: Calligraphic Excerpts from The Tale of Genji
- Artist: Konoe Nobutada (Japanese, 1565–1614)
- Period: Momoyama period (1573–1615)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Folded album (orihon); ink on decorated paper
- Dimensions: Image: 11 15/16 × 49 1/2 in. (30.3 × 125.8 cm)
- Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Lent by Tokyo National Museum
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art