Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); D. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm). Date: early 17th century.The size, geometric motifs, and extensive use of pearl shell suggest that this tray may have been intended for trade to Europe. The imagery, however, derives from the Tale of Genji, one of Japan's most famous literary works. Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 978-ca. 1014), this lengthy book traces the customs of the aristocratic society and the tumultuous love life of Hikaru Genji, a distant member of the imperial family. The tray illustrates a moment when Genji (seated in the cart and not visible) passes by a former illicit lover while traveling. Both are assailed by bittersweet memories as they glimpse each other in passing. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

Brand: Album Archivo
SKU: 4409-17499612
Availability: InStock

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Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); D. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm). Date: early 17th century.The size, geometric motifs, and extensive use of pearl shell suggest that this tray may have been intended for trade to Europe. The imagery, however, derives from the Tale of Genji, one of Japan's most famous literary works. Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 978-ca. 1014), this lengthy book traces the customs of the aristocratic society and the tumultuous love life of Hikaru Genji, a distant member of the imperial family. The tray illustrates a moment when Genji (seated in the cart and not visible) passes by a former illicit lover while traveling. Both are assailed by bittersweet memories as they glimpse each other in passing. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.

SuperStock offers millions of photos, videos, and stock assets to creatives around the world. This image of Tray with Scene from the Tale of Genji. Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); D. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm). Date: early 17th century.The size, geometric motifs, and extensive use of pearl shell suggest that this tray may have been intended for trade to Europe. The imagery, however, derives from the Tale of Genji, one of Japan's most famous literary works. Written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (ca. 978-ca. 1014), this lengthy book traces the customs of the aristocratic society and the tumultuous love life of Hikaru Genji, a distant member of the imperial family. The tray illustrates a moment when Genji (seated in the cart and not visible) passes by a former illicit lover while traveling. Both are assailed by bittersweet memories as they glimpse each other in passing. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA. by Album/Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY/Album Archivo is available for licensing today.