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Aug 15, 2018
May 23, 2007
Gift Cover (Fukusa) with Tale of Genji Shell-Matching Game
Gift Cover (Fukusa) with Tale of Genji Shell-Matching Game
源氏絵貝合図刺繍袱紗
1868–1912
Japan, Meiji period
(1868-1912)
Silk: embroidered; metallic thread
Overall: 85.1 x 72.4 cm (33 1/2 x 28 1/2 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1319
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 with Tale of Genji Shell-Matching Game&media=https%3A//piction.clevelandart.org/cma/ump.di%3Fe%3DDA3BCC800F2227E21EA2A241753EEB416B4CE354C21A98CBC601D73A096EF2C3%26s%3D24247294%26se%3D1128270358%26v%3D1%26f%3D%255Cd6079%255Cu130060794%255C1916.1319_o10.jpg){kind=small}
Description
Japanese elites once presented gifts in boxes with gift covers (fukusa) draped over them. The decorated covers were typically lined with a monochrome backing, but this one’s borders are exposed. Its design is a Tale of Genji shell-matching game. Two clamshells shown in close-up are painted with scenes from two chapters of the novel. The one on the bottom is an episode from the “Kochō” (Butterflies) chapter, in which Genji’s beloved Murasaki sends her young attendants to dance for the empress. The one on the top may depict Genji writing a poem in the “Suzumushi” (Bell Cricket) chapter.
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