“Exile to Suma” (Suma), from Collection of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Stories (Wakan koji setsuwa zu)

first half of the 17th century

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This painting, inspired by a scene from Chapter 12, “Exile to Suma,” illustrates the moment when Genji seeks shelter from a violent thunderstorm. The trembling of the grasses and the fence echoes Genji’s state of anxiety in this desolate locale. This work was originally part of a handscroll consisting of twelve paintings treating subjects from ancient Chinese and Japanese legend and literature. Among the works with Japanese themes were three representing episodes from The Tale of Genji. Iwasa Matabei no doubt chose to depict these three poignant scenes from the tale’s vast iconography because they allowed him to incorporate a dimension of psychological suggestiveness, which became a trademark of his distinctive painting style.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

References

岩佐又兵衛筆　和漢故事説話図　「須磨」
Title: “Exile to Suma” (Suma), from Collection of Ancient Chinese and Japanese Stories (Wakan koji setsuwa zu)
Artist: Iwasa Matabei (Japanese, 1578–1650)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: first half of the 17th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Section of a handscroll mounted as a hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: 14 3/16 × 23 1/4 in. (36 × 59 cm)
Overall: 56 5/16 × 31 1/2 in. (143 × 80 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Lent by Fukui Fine Arts Museum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art