Murasaki Collection

JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. Niou-no-miya and the sixth daughter of Prince Genji shown on their wedding night in a scene from the Tale of Genji. Scroll drawing, Japanese, 12th century

MURASAKI SHIKIBU (c. 978 - c. 1014). Japanese writer
MURASAKI SHIKIBU (c. 978 - c.1014). Japanese writer. Illustration of a court lady of the Heian period. Illustration of Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), which chronicles the life of Prince Genji

Japanese scroll painting of a scene from the Yadorigi chapter of Lady Murasakis The Tale of Genji
JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. Japanese scroll painting of a scene from the Yadorigi chapter of Lady Murasakis The Tale of Genji. Heian Period, 12th century, Tokyo

An Elegant Genji in Snow, 1853. Creator: Utagawa Kunisada
An Elegant Genji in Snow, 1853. Murasaki Viewing the Snow

The Young Murasaki (Wakamurasaki), from the series "Fifty-four Chapters of the Tale... 1852
The Young Murasaki (Wakamurasaki), from the series "Fifty-four Chapters of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari gojuyonjo)", 1852

The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari), 17th century. Creator: Kaiho Yusetsu
The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari), 17th century. The Tale of Genji written by Murasaki Shikibu provides a unique depiction of the lifestyles of high courtiers during the Heian period

Hananosumika
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Scene from the Tale of Genji by Madame Murasaki, 1856 (color woodblock print)
877273 Scene from the Tale of Genji by Madame Murasaki, 1856 (color woodblock print) by Kunisada, Utagawa (Toyokuni III) (1786-1865); 34.7x25.7 cm; Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

Lady Murasaki Sets a Bird Free from a Cage, 19th century. Creator: Gakutei
Lady Murasaki Sets a Bird Free from a Cage, 19th century

‘Little Purple Gromwell (Wakamurasaki): Shosho
" Little Purple Gromwell (Wakamurasaki): Shosho, " from the series Scenes amid Genji Clouds Matched with Ukiyo-e Pictures (Genji-gumo ukiyo e-awase), ca. 1845-61

Parody of Murasaki, from Lavender (Wakamurasaki), chapter 5 of the Tale of Genji
Parody of Murasaki, from " Lavender" (Wakamurasaki), chapter 5 of the Tale of Genji, 18th century. Murasaki watches a baby sparrow free of its cage. Edo period (1615-1868)

Illustration of the Genji Monogatari Emaki (The Tale of Genji) by Murasaki Sikibu. Japanese art. Momoyama period. Drawing. JAPAN. HONSHU. Kyoto. Tokugawa Reimeikai Foundation

Murasaki Shikibu, c. 973 / 978 - c. 1014 / 1031. Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court
Murasaki Shikibu, c. 973/978 - c. 1014/1031. Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period

Four Friends of Calligraphy: Lady Murasaki, 19th century. Creator: Gakutei
Four Friends of Calligraphy: Lady Murasaki, 19th century

Tawaraya Sotatsu (17th c. ). Carriage of Prince Genji
Tawaraya Sotatsu (17th c.). Carriage of Prince Genji. Illustration from the book Genji Monogatari Emaki (The Tale of Genji) by Murasaki Shikibu. Japanese art. Momoyama period. Painting

JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. A court lady looks at pictures; one maid reads while the other dresses her ladies hair in a scene from the Tale of Genji. Scroll drawing, Japanese, 12th century

MURASAKI SHIKIBU (978-1026). Japanese courtier and writer. Traditional Japanese painting

JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. An elaborately dressed Japanese woman and man separated by a screen, in a a scene from Murasaki Shikibu's Tale of Genji. Woodcut by Hiroshige Ando, c1852

Japanese scroll painting of a scene from the Sawarabi chapter of Lady Murasakis The Tale of Genji
JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. Japanese scroll painting of a scene from the Sawarabi chapter of Lady Murasakis The Tale of Genji. Heian Period, 12th century, Tokyo

Minaiture of the Genji Monogatari, stories of

JAPAN: TALE OF GENJI. Two men and two women sitting on the ground stare in disbelief at a wizard with an attendant floating on a cloud. Scene from Murasaki Shikibus Tale of Genji

Murasaki Shikibu
MURASAKI SHIKIBU, Japanese courtier and writer, author of the classic Genji Monagatari (Tales of Genji) generally regarded as the first novel ever written

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Murasaki, a name that resonates with the rich literary heritage of Japan, and is synonymous with one of the most influential writers in Japanese history - Murasaki Shikibu. Born around 978 and believed to have lived until 1014 or 1031, she was not only a novelist but also a poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. Her magnum opus, "The Tale of Genji, " stands as an enduring masterpiece even after centuries have passed. This epic narrative takes us on a journey through the intricate web of relationships in Heian-era aristocracy, captivating readers with its exquisite portrayal of human emotions and societal intricacies. Scroll paintings from this era depict scenes from Murasaki's tale, such as Niou-no-miya and the sixth daughter of Prince Genji shown together. These delicate artworks transport us back to ancient Japan, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the world created by Lady Murasaki's words. In later centuries, artists like Kaiho Yusetsu continued to be inspired by her work. The Genji Monogatari Emaki showcases their interpretation of key moments from this timeless saga. Woodblock prints further brought these stories to life for wider audiences; one such print depicts a scene from Madame Murasaki's masterpiece in vibrant colors. Murasaki's influence extends beyond literature into other art forms as well. Tawaraya Sotatsu's painting titled "Carriage of Prince Genji" captures the elegance and grace associated with her characters' lives. Even today, we find references to Murasaki throughout Japanese culture. Hananosumika flowers bloom delicately like purple gromwell (Wakamurasaki), paying homage to her legacy. Parodies featuring Lavender (Wakamurasaki) add humor while acknowledging her impact on storytelling traditions. Lady Murasaki Shikibu may have left this world long ago, but her words continue to resonate with readers worldwide.