Scene from the 'Spring Shoots II' Chapter of The Tale of Genji, late 16th century, Unknown Japanese, 10 3/8 × 22 in. (26.35 × 55.88 cm) (image)45 3/8 × 25 3/8 in. (115.25 × 64.45 cm) (mount), Ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan, 16th century, The scene on this folding fan is from chapter 14 of The Tale of Genji. Genji makes a pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi Shrine to thank the gods after the end of a period of exile. Genji and his entourage have parked their elegant carriages near Sumiyoshis pine-lined beach. Illustrations of this scene, including several in this exhibition, often show a single boat floating off the coast, signaling the simultaneous arrival of Genjis former lover, the Akashi Lady. The magnificence of Genjis entourage makes the Akashi Lady painfully aware of her own lower social status, so she retreats without ever announcing her presence. When Genji learns she is nearby, they exchange a series of poems.