Artwork preview

Twelve Scenes from The Tale of Genji

Unidentified artist

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a scene from The Tale of Genji in a gold-framed, rectangular panel. The panel is part of a larger piece, with another panel partially visible to the left and a black background. The scene shows a courtyard with a large building in the background, featuring a green roof and white walls. In the foreground, several people are gathered, some on horseback and others on foot. The people wear traditional Japanese clothing in various colors, including green, blue, red, and black. Some individuals hold umbrellas or parasols. The panel has a gold frame with a textured, speckled pattern around the edges. The frame is thick and ornate, adding to the overall opulence of the artwork. The image appears to be a traditional Japanese painting, possibly created using techniques such as woodblock printing or hand-painting on paper or silk. The artwork is divided into twelve sections, showcasing different scenes from The Tale of Genji.

Artwork Details

Date
mid-17th century
Medium
Album of twelve leaves; ink and color on gold-flecked paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
468 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette