Description of Exhibition

The Tale of Genji, written during the Heian period (794–1185) by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (dates unknown), is Japan’s most esteemed literary classic and is widely regarded as the world’s first novel. Set against the rarefied world of the imperial court, the story recounts the romantic entanglements of the “shining prince” Genji with an array of distinctive women, while providing vivid glimpses into daily life and the human psyche. Murasaki’s tale has enchanted successive generations over the past millennium, giving birth to a broad range of cultural and artistic forms.
This exhibition of unprecedented scale presents a diverse array of approximately 250 artworks (planned total, including those shown at other venues). These encompass masterful paintings and works of decorative art inspired by scenes from the Tale and its motifs, later manuscript editions and commentaries produced by successive generations, and works tracing the novel’s influence on the performing arts. Among the highlights are the Blue-Cover edition (Aobyōshi bon), a manuscript edited by Fujiwara no Teika (1162–1241), and the elusive “Phantom Genji Scrolls” (also known as the Moriyasu edition), a lavish set of illustrated handscrolls scattered among collections in Japan and abroad. The show reexamines the enduring appeal of this literary masterpiece, which has continued to exert a profound influence on Japanese culture.
This is the first exhibition on The Tale of Genji to be held at the Kyoto National Museum in approximately fifty years——offering visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the Shining Prince and the Heian imperial court.

“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi) from Illustrated Handscrolls of The Tale of Genji
(Moriyasu edition, also known as the Phantom Genji Scrolls)
Kyoto National Museum