Talk: The Tale of Genji in Japanese Art

Join us for an in-depth talk to learn about the “Tale of Genji” as presented in Japanese art. The “Tale of Genji” is celebrated as Japan’s greatest literary work. Written in the early 1000s by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court, the tale traces the life and romantic pursuits of an imperial prince called “Shining Genji.” Rich in poetry and offering an intimate look at the court, it has inspired countless Japanese artists over the centuries, and illustrations of or allusions to the tale appear on everything from paintings, prints, and decorative artworks to clothing and manga (comic books). These three presentations are offered in conjunction with Mia’s exhibition “Love Affairs: The Tale of Genji in Japanese Art” (bit.ly/2PmGIr0) and offer different perspectives on Genji-related art created over the past 500 years. On view through March 10, 2019.

10:15–10:45AM Aaron Rio on Pictures of the “Tale of Genji”
10:45–11:30AM Lynne Miyake on Genji manga
11:30AM–12 Andreas Marks on Genji prints
12–12:15PM Q&A

About the speakers:
Aaron Rio is Andrew W. Mellon Associate Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia; Andreas Marks is Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese and Korean Art, head of the Department of Japanese and Korean Art, and director of the Clark Center for Japanese Art. Lynne K. Miyake is professor of Japanese at Pomona College. Her background is in classical Japanese literature, and she works extensively in the narrative prose and diary literature traditions of the 10th through 12th centuries.

This lecture is made possible by the generous support of the Elsa Carpenter Asian Art Lecture Fund.

Tickets: $10, $5 My Mia members, free to members of the Asian Art Affinity Group. Register online here: bit.ly/2PRFMKK or call 612.870.3000.