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Scenes from the Tale of Genji — Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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Written by: Tolga ErginResearcher · Asian Art
Asian Art · Catalogue no. 24669
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Scenes from the Tale of Genji

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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Folding screens served as temporary dividers in traditional Japanese open-plan architectural spaces. This screen was inspired by Japan’s most celebrated work of literature, the <em>Tale of Genji</em>, written by Murasaki Shikibu, an attendant to the empress in the early 11th-century imperial court. The novel follows the love life of the “Shining Prince” Genji and delves into the psychological states of his many companions.

Artist / MakerJapan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Date1700s
Culture / OriginJapan, Edo period (1615–1868)
MediumSix-panel folding screen; ink, color, gold and gilding on paper
Dimensions123.8 x 289.6 cm (48 3/4 x 114 in.)
DepartmentJapanese Art
TypePainting
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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