Illustrated scroll of Tale of Genji on display

An exhibition of illustrated scrolls of the Tale of Genji, a masterpiece of ancient Japanese prose, has opened at an art museum in Nagoya, central Japan.

The Tokugawa Art Museum is showing to the public 2 of the 15 Tale of Genji scrolls in its possession. The scrolls date to the Heian era from the 8th to 12th century. The oldest picture scrolls in Japan are designated as national treasures.

On display is the scroll called Bamboo River, which illustrates the main character Kaoru paying a New Year's visit to the residence of an aristocrat, and depicts a graceful New Year atmosphere. The scroll features Kaoru being made fun of by women.

The other scroll, Eastern Cottage, gives insights on the life of ancient court ladies with a scene in which Kaoru is reading out a story to a woman who has become tired of love.

The exhibition runs through November 29th.