Parody of Murasaki, from "Lavender" (Wakamurasaki), chapter 5 of the Tale of Genji

18th century

Not on view

The Tale of Genji was the most celebrated courtly romance of the twelfth century. The scene parodied here refers to the moment when the story's protagonist, Genji, glimpses the young Murasaki for the first time, gazing upon her as she sorrowfully observes a baby sparrow that has gotten free of its cage. Murasaki would later become Genji's favorite love. The artist has translated the figure of Murasaki into a confident, contemporary woman, standing in an assured pose and flanked by cherry blossoms. She assumes a central position, while the spying Genji has been eliminated from the scene. Instead, it is the viewer who is invited to observe her beauty.

Artwork Details

Title: Parody of Murasaki, from "Lavender" (Wakamurasaki), chapter 5 of the Tale of Genji
Artist: Kawamata Tsuneyuki (1676 (?)–1741)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 14 3/8 x 18 5/8 in. (36.5 x 47.3 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: 36.100.90
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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