“The Tale of Genji,” written by Shikibu Murasaki, has been passed down since its completion in the mid-Heian period and is still widely read today. This story, rich in lyricism, vividly depicts the glory and romantic affairs of the aristocratic society, centered around the protagonist, Hikaru Genji. It has had a significant influence on various fields such as literature, painting, crafts, performing arts, and the way of incense, giving rise to a cultural phenomenon that can be called “Genji culture.”

In particular, “Genji paintings,” which visualize scenes from the story, have been depicted by various schools and artists across different eras, and enjoyed by people throughout history. This exhibition introduces artwork, crafts, and literature related to “The Tale of Genji” and Murasaki, focusing on “Genji paintings.”