East Asia: Early Japanese Painting


Artist: unknown
Title:
Genji Monogatari. Chapter 38 -- Suzumushi II, in which the Emperor and Genji listen to a Moonlight Concert.

Period/Date: Heian Jidai
Material: ink and color paper.
Current Location: Gotah Collection.
Iconography/Iconology:
Stylistic Comments: This scroll is depicted in the so-called"female style," or the "Genji style" of painting. The characteristic features of this style include the use of thickly layered, opaque colors; figures with mask-like faces with no distinct facial expressions; and the use of architectural settings to convey the emotions and mood of the composition. As is characteristic with interior scenes in this scroll, this image shows the use of the "blown-away-roof" technique, providing a view from top, looking down.