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“Little Purple Gromwell” (Wakamurasaki)

In the style of Tosa Mitsuyoshi Japanese
early 17th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
In this scene from Chapter 5, Genji is on his way home from the northern hills, where he has glimpsed the young Murasaki (age 10) and asked the bishop (her great uncle) to let him take the girl. The bishop denies this audacious request, but succumbing to Genji’s radiant beauty, he invites him to play the koto and likens him to the precious udumbara flower of Buddhist lore. The artist depicts Genji leaning nonchalantly on a moss-covered rock, surrounded by red azaleas and a profusion of mountain cherry blossoms.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 土佐光吉様式　源氏物語図屏風　「若紫」
  • Title: “Little Purple Gromwell” (Wakamurasaki)
  • Artist: In the style of Tosa Mitsuyoshi (Japanese, 1539–1613)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Two-panel folding screen; ink, color, gold, and gold leaf on paper
  • Dimensions: Image : 64 1/2 × 73 1/2 in. (163.8 × 186.7 cm)
  • Classification: Screens
  • Credit Line: Lent by Honolulu Museum of Art, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Ray R. Reeves
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art