Booklet of “A Boat Cast Adrift” (Ukifune)
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This is the oldest example of an illustrated Genji book. It contains two exquisite “ink-line” (hakubyō) paintings, prized for the graphic interplay of the white paper, meticulously drawn lines, and glossy dark patches of ink. Although they date to the thirteenth century, these images retain hallmarks of Heian-period narrative painting, such as the plump, rounded faces and the bushy eyebrows drawn with multiple thin lines.
Here, Ukifune reads a letter from Kaoru reproaching her for being unfaithful to him with Niou. Finding herself entangled in a love triangle, she nervously faces her inkstone and brush as she considers how to reply.
Here, Ukifune reads a letter from Kaoru reproaching her for being unfaithful to him with Niou. Finding herself entangled in a love triangle, she nervously faces her inkstone and brush as she considers how to reply.
Artwork Details
- 源氏物語浮舟帖
- Title: Booklet of “A Boat Cast Adrift” (Ukifune)
- Artist: Unidentified artist
- Period: Kamakura period (1185–1333)
- Date: 13th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Thread-bound book; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 9 5/16 × 7 1/2 in. (23.7 × 19 cm)
- Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Lent by Museum Yamato Bunkakan
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art