Incense Box (Kōbako) with Scene from The Tale of Genji second half of 19th century Japan This incense box in the shape of two interlocking shells imitates the painted clamshells used in the shell-matching game (kai-awase). The scene here refers to Chapter 42, “The Fragrant Prince” (Nioumiya). Publicly recognized as Genji’s son, Kaoru has doubts about the circumstances of his birth. A poem voiced by him is inscribed in fine gold lines within stylized clouds: Whom might I ask?Why must it bethat I do not knowthe beginningor the end?—Translation by Edward G. Seidensticker. Incense Box (Kōbako) wit
Incense Box (Kōbako) with Scene from The Tale of Genji second half of 19th century Japan This incense box in the shape of two interlocking shells imitates the painted clamshells used in the shell-matching game (kai-awase). The scene here refers to Chapter 42, “The Fragrant Prince” (Nioumiya). Publicly recognized as Genji’s son, Kaoru has doubts about the circumstances of his birth. A poem voiced by him is inscribed in fine gold lines within stylized clouds: Whom might I ask?Why must it bethat I do not knowthe beginningor the end?—Translation by Edward G. Seidensticker. Incense Box (Kōbako) with Scene from The Tale of Genji 53622
Size: 4000px × 2559px
Photo credit: © MET/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
