EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, has been passed down for generations since its completion in the middle of the Heian period (794-1185), and it continues to be widely cherished to this day. Centered around the protagonist, Hikaru Genji, this narrative vividly portrays the splendors and romances of Japan’s aristocratic society of the era. It influenced numerous creative realms—from literature, painting and crafts to performing arts and the art of Kodo (incense ceremony)—giving rise to a cultural phenomenon collectively referred to as “Genji culture.”
In particular, Genji-e paintings, which depict scenes from the literary work, have been created by many different schools across the ages, earning widespread admiration. “The Tale of Genji: Unfolding Narrative of Art and Culture from the Past to Modernity” is framed around the Genji-e while showcasing artworks, crafts and literature associated with the ageless Japanese masterpiece and its author. We hope the exhibition serves as a portal to and gateway for viewers to the rich, fascinating world of The Tale of Genji.