The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The fifty-four volumes in this spectacular set of Genji books are bound between colorful gold brocade textile covers with varied designs. The prolific artist, author, and editor Isome Tsuna, known for her calligraphy manuals for women, not only copied this entire Genji text but also designed and painted its 223 illustrations. The circular shape of the figures’ heads, their pink cheeks, and the stylized gold bands are hallmarks of her style.
Artwork Details
- 居初津奈筆 源氏物語
- Title: The Tale of Genji Chapter Books: Chapters 1, 5, 9, 17, 19, 40, 41, and 54
- Artist: Isome Tsuna (Japanese, born ca. 1640, active late 17th century)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: late 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Eight books from a set of fifty-four; ink, color, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: 9 7/16 × 7 1/16 in. (24 × 17.9 cm)
- Classification: Illustrated Books
- Credit Line: Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Photography
Collection, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations - Curatorial Department: Asian Art