Falling Flowers (Hanachirusato), Calligraphic Excerpt from Chapter 11 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Editor: This calligraphic excerpt, "Falling Flowers" by Reizei Tamehiro, seems like a page torn from a larger story, doesn't it? The orange background is so striking. What can you tell me about the public role of art like this, and what impact might the Tale of Genji have had on its reception? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider how such a piece functions within the larger cultural landscape. The Tale of Genji, a cornerstone of Japanese literature, carries immense cultural weight. Works like this, referencing such a revered text, participate in a long tradition of visual storytelling that reinforces the tale’s importance. Does that give you some ideas? Editor: It does. Knowing the text is so central helps me to see how the artist is engaging with a wider audience and canon. Thanks! Curator: It has been my pleasure. It prompts us to think about how art and literature shape collective memory.