A series of “Famous Japanese Illustrated Handscrolls”

Registered as National Treasure, a series of full-scale reproductions

The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu Illustrated Handscroll
Set of four scrolls


(Temporarily Unavailable)

The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu is a record of less than two years written during her service to Empress Shoshi, daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga; who waited for the birth of a prince at her father’s residence, the Tsuchimikado mansion. After about two hundred years, in the early 13th century, this diary was pictorialized, but only four scrolls remain today.
The technique of “tsukurie” was developed through the use of deep colors and so the compositions and human figures are different from “The Tale of Genji Illustrated Handscrolls” of the 12th century. Diagonal composition with a larger perspective is used, which helps express the broader views of both rooms and landscapes. All reflects the elegant world of the nobles in the Heian period.

Scroll One: Hachisukake-bon
Dimensions: 21.0×537.5 cm
Important Cultural Property Private collection
Commentaries of Sano Midori
Scroll Two: Fujitake-bon
Dimensions: 21.0×451.5 cm
The Fujita Museum
Commentaries of Sano Midori
Scroll Three: Goto-bon
Dimensions: 21.0×453.1 cm
The Gotoh Museum, private collections
Commentaries of Sano Midori
Scroll Four: Hinoharake-bon
Dimensions: 21.0×531.6 cm
Important Cultural Property Private collection
Commentaries of Sano Midori
Price
JPY 468,000 (tax excluded)

    Feature

  1. 1) Commentaries are attached on each title, written respectively by prominent scholars in two languages: Japanese and English, and function as an academic study guide and reference for both domestic and international readers.
  2. 2) The original textures and colors of the work are vividly revived in reproduction by using light-resistant toners on acid-free paper (Bagasse) or Japanese paper (Torinoko). This would never have been possible using conventional printing methods.
  3. 3) The scrolls are digitally printed by the most up-to-date printing technology for high definition images in our on-demand system, so we are always able to provide the newest products to match customers’ needs.
  4. 4) Our long established “Long Sheet Printing” technology is used to create the more than 10-meter-long handscroll on one seamless sheet of paper.

Contact

  1. hayano@e-art.ne.jp