The Tale of Genji – Colors of the Fifty-four Chapters

Written in the early 11th century, ‘The Tale of Genji’ by Murasaki Shikibu centres on the life of prince Hikaru Genji. While recounting his love affairs and court successes, it also offers a glimpse into the life of the nobility at the height of Heian dynastic culture. Each of the 54 chapters has scenes featuring colours. It describes in detail how courtiers dressed in garments of various shades and combinations to reflect the transition of the seasons. Yoshioka Sachio (1946–2019), the original author of this book, spent more than ten years researching this aspect of ‘The Tale of Genji’. He then faithfully reproduced the colours using the materials and techniques used at the time.