幻の源氏物語絵巻　「葵」|“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)

Unknown

mid-17th century · Handscroll; ink, color, and gold on paper · Asian Art

This fragment from the Phantom Genji Scrolls depicts the funeral of Genji’s wife, Aoi. In an episode wrought with grief and lamentation, her body is taken to the mortuary grounds of Toribeno. A prelate wearing the orange robes and light blue mantle of a high-ranking Tendai monk performs rites before a richly ornamented altar. The cremation is rendered in bold clarity, with sculptural crimson flames enveloping a brilliant jeweled casket.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Handscroll; ink, color, and gold on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912