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Tale of Genji Chapter Book: “Ephemerids” (Kagerō)

mid-13th century

Not on view

The distinctive two-page tableau shown here was created by sprinkling yellow-brown granulated pigment over papers to which variously shaped stencils have been applied: a crescent moon, a dramatic diagonal band, paulownia flowers, a line of flying geese, and a stylized sandbar (suhama). The soft mulberry paper of books such as this makes them particularly easy to handle. The calligraphy is said to be in the style of Monk Jien (1155–1225).

Tale of Genji Chapter Book: “Ephemerids” (Kagerō), Thread-bound manuscript book; ink on decorated paper, Japan — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Tale of Genji Chapter Book: “Ephemerids” (Kagerō), Thread-bound manuscript book; ink on decorated paper, Japan

Tale of Genji Chapter Book: “Ephemerids” (Kagerō), Thread-bound manuscript book; ink on decorated paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

伝慈円筆　源氏物語　蜻蛉帖

Title: Tale of Genji Chapter Book: “Ephemerids” (Kagerō)

Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)

Date: mid-13th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Thread-bound manuscript book; ink on decorated paper

Dimensions: H. 6 9/16 in. (16.6 cm); W. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm); D. 9/16 in. (1.4 cm)

Classification: Calligraphy

Credit Line: Lent by Harvard Art Museums/ Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mrs. Donald F.
Hyde in honor of Karl Kup

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.