The Tale of Genji in Japanese Art: Aaron Rio, Andreas Marks & Lynne Miyake

The Tale of Genji is celebrated as Japan’s greatest literary work. Written in the early 1000s by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court, the tale traces the life and romantic pursuits of an imperial prince called “Shining Genji.” Rich in poetry and offering an intimate look at the court, it has inspired countless Japanese artists over the centuries, and illustrations of or allusions to the tale appear on everything from paintings, prints, and decorative artworks to clothing and manga (comic books). These three presentations are offered in conjunction with the exhibition “Love Affairs: The Tale of Genji in Japanese Art” and offer different perspectives on Genji-related art created over the past 500 years. On view through March 10, 2019.

10:15–10:45AM Aaron Rio on Pictures of the Tale of Genji

10:45–11:30AM Lynne Miyake on Genji manga

11:30AM–12 Andreas Marks on Genji prints

12–12:15PM Q&A

Aaron Rio is Andrew W. Mellon Associate Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia; Andreas Marks is Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese and Korean Art, head of the Department of Japanese and Korean Art, and director of the Clark Center for Japanese Art. Lynne K. Miyake is professor of Japanese at Pomona College. Her background is in classical Japanese literature, and she works extensively in the narrative prose and diary literature traditions of the 10th through 12th centuries.

A reception in the Regis Fountain Court will follow.

This lecture is made possible by the generous support of the Elsa Carpenter Asian Art Lecture Fund.

$10, $5 My Mia members, free to members of the Asian Art Affinity Group. Register online or call 612.870.6323. Tickets available August 13.