“First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō)
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Horizontal lines painted across the surface of this pair of folding screens and actual textiles applied to each panel imitate the green slats and fabric borders of bamboo blinds. The trompe-l’oeil effect turns the viewer into a voyeur who peers through the blinds into the luxurious rooms of Genji’s Rokujō estate. In the scene from Chapter 23 (right), Genji visits the Akashi Lady’s quarters on New Year’s Day, finding her exquisite possessions and writings elegantly scattered around the room. The scene from Chapter 34 (left) shows Tamakazura introducing Genji to her handsome sons. Paintings within paintings in both screens depict auspicious motifs: chrysanthemums, paired mandarin ducks, and cranes. Together with the narrative content, they convey an ideal image of domestic harmony, filial piety, and good fortune.
Artwork Details
- 土佐光起筆 源氏物語図屛風 「初音」 「若菜上」
- Title: “First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō)
- Artist: Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper; silk fabric strips
- Dimensions: each: 33 1/2 in. × 8 ft. 3 1/4 in. (85.1 × 252.1 cm)
- Classification: Screens
- Credit Line: Lent by Tokyo National Museum
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art