The Musée Guimet is organizing an exceptional exhibition focusing on a work that is central to Japanese cultural history. Discover the Tale of Genji, the very first psychological novel in history, written by the poet Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The Musée Guimet deciphers the background to the creation of this Japanese masterpiece, and the exceptional influence it still exerts on the art world today.
Due to the success of the exhibition, and to mark its final days, the Musée Guimet is offering exceptional evening visits on March 22, 23 and 24, until 9pm. Book your ticket online now!
From November 22, 2023 to March 25, 2024, the exhibition A la cour du Prince Genji explores all the richness surrounding Murasaki Shikibu's novel. The poet lived during the Heian period (794-1185), an exceptional era in more ways than one. Women enjoyed unprecedented freedom, and the court of imperial Japan was renowned for its finesse, wealth and refinement... And artists were extremely prolific, inspired by this creative and opulent climate. Women in particular distinguished themselves in the field of literature, appropriating a genre that had originated in China.
Among these women writers and poets was Murasaki Shikibu, who had a profound impact on the art world for the next ten centuries. In her novel, the artist evokes the court and its splendors. The story inspired a great many creators: the exhibition shows how the novel's imagery was taken up by painters, in prints, sculptures, kimonos, fabrics, boxes and precious objects... Even today, mangaka and anime creators continue to draw inspiration from this imaginary story.
The second part of the exhibition focuses on more recent artists, notably Itarô Yamaguchi. This master weaver has created four incredibly rich scrolls. These scenes illustrate the Tale of Genji. For the very first time, the four scrolls are exhibited together, fully unrolled, to give us a better appreciation of the master's exceptional work. Several preparatory drawings and objects complete this section of the exhibition.
Surprisingly, France has played an essential role in preserving the art of Japanese weaving, a technique that enabled the creation of these priceless scrolls. Take the time to wander around, observe each work and read the explanations presented by the museum to understand the exceptional nature of these objects, old and new.
From imperial Japan to the 21st century, the Tale of Genji has survived the centuries, retaining its influence in every artistic era. Even today, this story is retold and retold by new artists in a wide variety of media. Vases, screens, fabrics and garments, prints, everyday objects: the exhibition brings together aneclectic range ofworks, from all ages, to help us better understand the importance of this novel.
From the 11th century to the present day, discover how a novel has changed and had a lasting influence on all Japanese art. An exhibition not to be missed this winter at the Musée Guimet!
Dates and Opening Time
From November 22th, 2023 to March 25th, 2024
Location
Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet
6, place d´ Iéna - 19, avenue d´ Iéna
75116 Paris 16
Access
Metro line 9 "Iéna" station
Prices
Tarif réduit: €10
Plein tarif: €13
Official website
www.guimet.fr
