- "Tenarai” (Writing Practice) from The Tale of Genji -

The remarkable print “Tenarai” (Writing Practice) from The Tale of Genji is by Kaoru Saito. The Tale of Genji is a renowned work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century during the Heian period. The novel depicts the life of Hikaru Genji, the son of an emperor, and offers an intimate portrayal of the aristocratic society of the time.

Behind the story depicted in this image

Ukifune was found unresponsive at the base of a large tree along the Uji River after attempting to take her own life. She was discovered and saved by a group of monks. Among them was Ono no Imouto ama, who had lost her daughter several years earlier. Believing Ukifune to be a gift from Hatsuse Kannon, she joyfully took her in and nursed her devotedly as if she were her own daughter. Toward the end of summer, Ukifune finally regained consciousness.

However, upon realizing that she had narrowly escaped death, she began to beg to become a nun. Ukifune stubbornly closed herself off and refused to speak about her past, spending her days lost in thought and copying out her prayers (Writing Practice). While Ono no Imouto ama was away, she eventually became a nun. Having become a nun, Ukifune felt that she had finally found peace.

In this print, Kaoru Saito beautifully portrays the protagonist, sensitively capturing the fragility and depth of her inner heart.

Technique: Aquatint, Mezzotint, and Engraving 
Paper size: 15 inches wide by 17 and 3/4 inches tall (38 x 45 cm)
Image size: 8 and 1/2 inches wide by 8 and 3/4 inches tall (21.5 x 22.5 cm)
Sheet number: 8/85 
Date: 1990
Signed: Pencil signed by the artist
Condition: Excellent condition

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