As a result of the development of printing techniques, The Tale of Genji, which was written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, became widely known among the masses during the Edo period (1603–1867). So great was its popularity that a wide variety of publications relating to it were produced; in addition to the original text, there were also illustrated books, annotated editions and simplified summaries offering an understanding of the story. This led to The Tale of Genji achieving a unique development within Edo culture, as can be seen from the popularity of Ryūtei Tanehiko’s parody of the story, Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji [False Murasaki and a Country Genji] that was illustrated by Utagawa Kunisada I. In addition, beautiful depictions of the four seasons that appear in the story were utilized to decorate formal places or personal belongings.
Based around works from the collection of the Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum, this exhibition offers a glimpse of the way in which The Tale of Genji developed and spread within the culture of the Edo period.

 

Outline of event

Period	November 19 (Sat), 2022 – January 6 (Fri), 2023 First Period: November 19 (Sat), 2022 – December 18 (Sun), 2022 Second Period: December 20 (Tue), 2022 – January 6 (Fri), 2023 Some exhibits may be switched out during the exhibition period.
Location	TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM, Gallery B (8-36 Ueno-Park Taito-ku,Tokyo)
Hours	9:30 – 17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
Closed	November 21, December 5, 19, 29, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Admission	Free You can view the exhibition without a reservation. Please note that we may restrict admissions when it is crowded.
Organized by	Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture
Collaboration with	Tokyo Metropolitan Edo-Tokyo Museum operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture
Contact	Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum　TEL : 03-3823-6921