Introduction

This assignment is intended to introduce two contemporary styles of narrative paintings that appeared in Japan in the Heian period and to enable teachers to distinguish those two styles in terms of content and painting style. Through the study of the twelfth-century Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) scroll, produced at the Heian court, and the thirteenth-century Heiji Monogatari(Tales of the Heiji) scroll, produced for the military rulers in the Kamakura period, one can understand something of the different cultures of the Japanese aristocracy and the warrior class. It will also introduce how one is supposed to view such scrolls and various narrative techniques.

• Teachers should first read the entry Emakimono on Wikipedia
• Read at least the Summary on the The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu Web site
• Read Writers of the Heian Era: Painting, Tale of Genji Scroll 2 and use the “Hashihime” link to see the image discussed in its entirety
• Read Traditional Japan: Narrative Scrolls. The first image illustrated is not the leaf discussed below that depicts Genji holding the child of his wife and nephew. Use the Kashiwagi III link below to see the correct illustration.
• View the Heiji Monogatari on Bowdoin College Web site. Launch the Interactive Scroll Viewer and click on “translation” to see a translation of the text on the scroll. Click on the various numbered views to see details with explanations; notice a small box appears on the entire scroll view to indicate which part you are looking at.

Questions (Please answer two of the three questions below ):

1. Compare the Tale of Genji and the Tales of the Heiji handscrolls in terms of some of the following: content, the settings of the scenes, the depiction of the figures, the use of color and brushwork, etc.
2. The style of the Tale of Genji was considered most appropriate for depictions of domestic dramas of the aristocracy. Why do think that is?
3. The style of the Tales of the Heiji was considered most appropriate for depictions of battles, humorous tales, folklore, etc.. Why do think that is?

Assignment Links

• Emakimono
• Viewing a Japanese Handscroll
• Treasures of Asia: Japanese Painting by Akiyama Terukazu
• Summary of The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
• Writers of the Heian Era: Painting, Tale of Genji Scroll 2
• Hashihime (image)
• Traditional Japan: Narrative Scrolls
• Kashiwagi III
• Heiji Monogatari