MURASAKI SHIKIBU: GENJI MONOGATARI, THE TALE OF GENJI, CHAPTER 20

MS 5328
MS Short Title MURASAKI SHIKIBU: GENJI MONOGATARI, THE TALE OF GENJI
Text MURASAKI SHIKIBU: GENJI MONOGATARI, THE TALE OF GENJI, CHAPTER 20 ASAGAO (BLUEBELL)
Description MS in Japanese on paper, Japan, ca. 1800, 20 ff. (complete), 26x18 cm, 12 columns, (24x15 cm) with 18-20 characters in Shodo (calligraphic cursive script) per column, commentary in 24 columns at top of page in Shodo and Kanji (Chinese characters) with 10-15 characters per column.
Binding Japan, ca. 1800, light brown paper covers, stitched on 4 stations (Xian Zhuang).
Context Vol. 20 from a set of 54 vols., corresponding to the 54 chapters of the Genji.
Provenance 1. Kimio Koketsu, Ohya-Shobo Ltd, Tokyo.
Commentary The Tale of Genji is considered to be the supreme masterpiece of Japanese prose, one of the world’s greatest novels, and the greatest work ever of a female author. Murasaki Shikibu finished her work, also considered to be the world’s first novel after the ancient period, in 1021. Her real name remains unknown. She is named after the beloved wife of Genji, Murasaki. The work recounts the life of Genji, the second son of the Japanese Emperor and comprises some 400 dramatis personae.
Place of origin Japan
Dates ca 1800 AD