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Torii Kiyonaga

Murasaki Shikibu

Edo period (1615–1868), about 1784
Color woodblock print; oban
36.1 × 24.5 cm (14.2 × 9.6 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The famous author of the "Genji Monogatari" is depicted seated on the engawa of one of the buildings of Ishiyama. Buddhist temple on a rocky hillside overlooking Lake Biwa where she is said to have written that classic romance. Writing materials are upon a low tabl e before her and she holds a brush in her hand.

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