rectangular box with scenes from the Tale of Genji painted on outside; on cover: male and female figure inside building looking out over verandah onto snow-covered rocks and a stream; on one side, female figure in green and red robes lays on her stomach on verandah looking wistfully toward man in white who is seated on the ground; on opposite side, a young woman and two other figures inside on green matting; blossoming tree nearby; inside is gold painted with white chrysanthemums

Box with scenes from The Tale of Genji, 18th century

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Artists depicted iconic scenes from The Tale of Genji in a variety of formats, including round and folding fans, painted hanging scrolls, folding screens, albums, and containers. This box for personal items features scenes from chapters 17, 20, and 49. The scenes depicted were seemingly chosen not for their narrative content but rather for the season in which each scene takes place, with a winter scene on the lid and autumn scenes on the sides. The autumnal theme extends to the inside of the box, where fringed dianthus (also known as “pinks”) and white chrysanthemums dance across an area of gold paint.

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Details
Title
Box with scenes from The Tale of Genji
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.46a,b
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 91
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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rectangular box with scenes from the Tale of Genji painted on outside; on cover: male and female figure inside building looking out over verandah onto snow-covered rocks and a stream; on one side, female figure in green and red robes lays on her stomach on verandah looking wistfully toward man in white who is seated on the ground; on opposite side, a young woman and two other figures inside on green matting; blossoming tree nearby; inside is gold painted with white chrysanthemums