Four Friends of Calligraphy: Lady Murasaki - Yashima Gakutei

A refined woodblock print by Yashima Gakutei depicting Lady Murasaki, the author of The Tale of Genji, surrounded by her manuscripts.

This woodblock print by Yashima Gakutei depicts the Heian-period author Lady Murasaki, famous for writing The Tale of Genji. The work belongs to the surimono genre, which consists of privately commissioned prints often distributed among poetry circles. These prints are known for their high production quality, frequently utilising metallic pigments and embossing techniques to achieve a refined finish.

Lady Murasaki is shown in a seated position, surrounded by the tools of her craft. She holds a stack of bound manuscripts, while a low writing desk sits behind her. The composition is balanced, with the figure of the author placed centrally against a simplified background. A large, circular moon hangs in the upper left, providing a sense of quiet atmosphere. The artist employs a muted palette, allowing the patterned robes of the figure to draw the eye. The border of the print features a repeating floral motif, which is embossed into the paper, adding a tactile quality to the work.

Gakutei was a student of Hokusai and became a master of the surimono format. His work often incorporates kyoka, or comic verse, which is visible here in the calligraphy above the figure. The print reflects the cultural interests of the Edo-period literati, who valued the intersection of visual art and classical literature. The attention to detail in the textile patterns and the precise rendering of the books demonstrate the technical skill required for such commissions. This print offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of the period, where literary figures were frequently reimagined through the lens of contemporary artistic styles.