Shikibu 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

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

Birds and Flowers of Summer and Autumn, mid-16th century. Creator: Shikibu Terutada
Birds and Flowers of Summer and Autumn, mid-16th century. Hollyhocks and wagtails. Muromachi period (1392-1573)

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

A modern version of Shikibu no Naishi. Print shows the poet Izumi Shikibu and a young man, possibly Tachibana no Michisada, Prince Tametaka, or Prince Atsumichi

31: Sei Shonagaon; 32: Shikibu no Naishi 31: Sei Sh?nagaon
31: Sei Shonagaon; 32: Shikibu no Naishi. Print shows (top half) Sei Shonagon raising or lowering a blind, and (bottom half) Koshikibu no Naishi (or Izumi Shikibu)

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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Shikibu, a name that resonates with the rich literary history of Japan, and is synonymous with one of the most influential writers in Japanese literature, 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 a timeless masterpiece even today. This epic narrative takes us back to ancient Japan, where we witness the intricate lives of its characters. One such character is Niou-no-miya, depicted alongside Prince Genji's sixth daughter in an exquisite scroll painting from the Heian period. The legacy of Murasaki Shikibu extends beyond her renowned novel. Artists throughout centuries have been captivated by her work and have sought inspiration from it. The Genji Monogatari Emaki beautifully illustrates scenes from her tale in vivid colors and meticulous detail. In another artistic tribute, Shikibu Terutada created "Birds and Flowers of Summer and Autumn" during the mid-16th century. This stunning artwork showcases his mastery over brushwork while paying homage to Lady Murasaki's profound influence on Japanese culture. Even Tawaraya Sotatsu couldn't resist capturing Prince Genji's elegance in his carriage through his artistry during the 17th century. His depiction transports us into this enchanting world crafted by Murasaki Shikibu's words. Lady Murasaki herself has become an iconic figure represented in various forms throughout history. In Gakutei's "Four Friends of Calligraphy, " she stands proudly among other esteemed calligraphers—a testament to her enduring impact on Japanese literature. Hiroshige Ando immortalized a scene from "The Tale of Genji" through woodcutting techniques in c1852.