Scene from The Tale of Genji: Chapter 4, "Evening Face" (Yūgao)
17th century
Medium
Matted painting; ink and color on silk
Dimensions
8 x 8 in. (20.3 x 20.3 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Morris Manges, in memory of her husband, Dr. Morris Manges, 1947
Accession Number
47.56
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite matted painting from the Tosa School captures a poignant scene from Chapter 4, "Evening Face" (Ygao), of *The Tale of Genji*, the world's first novel by Murasaki Shikibu, in the early 11th century. Depicting intimate figures of men and women near fences—likely Genji encountering the ethereal Yūgao in a crumbling mansion—the artwork evokes the story's blend of romance, mystery, supernatural dread, where Yūgao meets a tragic end possessed by a spirit. Created in Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), it reflects a time of peace and cultural flourishing, when classical tales were revisite...