The "Butterflies" Chapter of the Tale of Genji, 17th century
Attributed to Tosa Mitsuyoshiexpand_more
Ink, color, gold, and silver on paperexpand_more
Gift of funds from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Zelle, and The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fundexpand_more 80.40
Not on Viewexpand_more
This pair of album leaves presents a textual passage from and illustrations of the “Butterflies” chapter of The Tale of Genji. The text is written in flowing script on paper decorated with gold and silver. The accompanying illustrations, rendered in brilliant mineral pigments, combine two passages in the chapter: the spring festivities at Genji’s mansion during which fanciful boats transport musicians and noblewomen around the palace lake; and the following morning, when Genji’s most beloved consort sends her young attendants to dance for the empress. The text describes the scene near the close of the day’s events:
"The birds resounded bravely amid warblers’ sweet carolings, while here and there upon the lake waterbirds sang their own songs, and the effect of the rapid conclusion was endlessly delightful. How lightly, then, the butterflies flitted about, to flutter into the hedge at last among cascading kerria roses!"
—translation after Royall Tyler
Details
- Title
- The "Butterflies" Chapter of the Tale of Genji
- Artist Life
- 1539 - 1613
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 80.40
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Masterpieces from the Japanese painting collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art ミネアポリス美術館 日本絵画の名品 Cat.22
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.