Evening Mist (YÅ«giri), Illustration to Chapter 39 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Editor: This illustration, *Evening Mist*, illustrates Chapter 39 of *The Tale of Genji*. It’s attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu and is now at the Harvard Art Museums. The hazy gold background gives it a dreamlike feel. What symbols are at play here? Curator: Notice how the figure, presumably Genji, is positioned within a structure that seems both interior and exterior. Consider how this liminal space reflects the psychological landscape. Do you see a parallel with the deer, enclosed yet exposed? Editor: That’s interesting, it does create a sense of vulnerability. The viewer is invited into a private, yet exposed space. Curator: Exactly. The mist itself is a potent symbol. Consider its connection to memory, obscuring some aspects while revealing others. Is the mist a barrier, or a veil? Editor: I now see the mist as a metaphor for the ambiguous emotions present in the scene. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Delving into the symbolism unveils layers of meaning, transforming our encounter with the art.