The Tale of Genji – Colors of the fifty-four chapters

‘The Tale of Genji’ is a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu. The work features the life of the prince Hikaru Genji. While recounting his love affairs and court successes, it also offers a glimpse into the life of the nobility at the height of Heian dynastic culture. Each of the 54 chapters has scenes featuring colors. It describes in detail how courtiers dressed in garments of various shades and combinations to reflect the delicate change of the seasons. Yoshioka Sachio (1946–2019), the original author of this book, spent more than ten years researching this aspect of ‘The Tale of Genji’. He then faithfully reproduced the colors using the materials and techniques used at the time.

This book is a restructured and re-edited version based on the first edition of “The Color Dictionary of ‘The Tale of Genji'” authored by Yoshioka Sachio in 2008 quoting some of the dyeing illustrations, part of the text, and materials.

[SHORTDESCRIPTION]
Measurements: 13cm x 18cm
272 Pages, Full Color, Softcover 
Language: Japanese/English
Printed in Japan