Special Exhibition The World of the Tale of Genji—A Tale of Courtly Romance

Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu in the latter half of the Heian period in an age before the advent of printing technology, the Tale of Genji was disseminated via hand transcription and read avidly by many people. The Tale of Genji was also illustrated shortly after its completion and numerous pictorial versions of the story continued to be produced through the medieval and early modern eras. The National Treasure Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls are not only the oldest surviving text version, they are also the oldest surviving illustrated edition of the tale and are an extremely important work. This exhibition brings together the National Treasure Tale of Genji Illustrated Scrolls along with various manuscripts and annotated editions and commentaries, as well as illustrated versions from the Heian period through the Edo period, offering a look back at the history of the Japanese love for the Tale of Genji.
*A total of 4 scenes from among the National Treasure will be on exhibit throughout the exhibition period. (The scenes on exhibit at one time will be changed.)