Portion of Text from the "Wisps of Cloud" (Usugumo) Chapter of The Tale of Genji
Unknown Artist
1600s-1700s
Medium
album leaf; ink on dyed paper with gold
Dimensions
23.3 × 21.3 cm
Classification
Calligraphy
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Edward L. Whittemore Fund
Accession Number
1933.455
About this artwork
The calligraphy brushed on this paper, decorated with a cherry tree seen through clouds, narrates a portion of The Tale of Genji. A scene often illustrated in painted albums and later woodblock prints, it describes Genji taking leave of his love, Murasaki, to see the Akashi Lady, his other love, whose daughter, now in Murasaki's care, clings to Genji's hem as he moves to depart.