Motif

The Tale of Genji, written in the early 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the Heian court, is often considered the world's first novel. It is renowned for its exquisite illustrations, which have inspired Japanese artists and craftsmen for centuries. As always, the obi weavers are no exception and here is a beautiful specimen I recently purchased.

The Tale of Genji’s illustrations are so a@ppreciated because they give us so many information about the court’s trends at this time. They are famous for their delicate lines, soft color palettes, and use of hikime kagibana (a stylized way of depicting faces with simple lines). They often feature "roofless views" (fukinuki yatai), a unique perspective that removes ceilings to reveal the elegant interiors of Heian-period palaces, allowing viewers to peer into the world of the aristocracy and witness the novel’s emotional depth and refined aesthetics.