Japanese 17th century Momoyama Period six panel Byobu painted screen of the Tale of Genji. This remarkable screen is in great form painted with rimpa polychrome mineral paint on gold gilt gofun paper. The composition is complex and it allows the viewers to have a bird's eye view of the scene and events amidst swirling clouds. The exaggerated foliage and scale of the courtly figures are dynamically composed with tranquility and balance.

The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of Japanese literature by Murasaki Shikibu. Written at the start of the 11th century, it is generally considered the world's first novel. This author composed the novel while a lady in attendance at the Japanese Court, likely completing it in about the year 1010. It incorporates some 800 Waka, courtly poems purported to be the writing of the character and its supple narrative sustained in the story through 54 characters. The Tale of Genji is an absorbing introduction to the culture of the aristocracy during the early Heian Japan depiction of daily life including its manner of dress, entertainment and moral code.

The work shows supreme sensitivity to human emotions and the beauty of nature, but as it proceeds its darkening tone reflects the Buddhist conviction of the transient world.

Momoyama Period 17th century

Dimensions: 66" H X 148" long