Discuss some of the prominent features and themes found in the Tale of Genji. In your answer be sure to refer to the material found in the MyArtsLab CloserLook and the illustration (Fig. 11. 15)

What will be an ideal response?

Fig. 11.15 is one of only 19 extent illustrations from the first novel the Tale of Genji. Scholars believe that there were roughly 100 such illustrations for the books total of 54 chapters.

Each scroll of the novel was produced by a team of artists: a calligrapher, a master artist for the outlines and color schemes, and finally a colorist for the intricate patterns of the illustrations.

While some of the heavy mineral colors are deteriorating in the work, the facial features, "a line for the eye a hook for the nose," are still evident. The overall interior in Fig. 11.15 is revealed from a bird's eye view through a "blown away roof".

The illustration featured (Fig. 11.15) depicts a court lady with flowing hair and 12 layers of robes. An interior screen behind the lady provides privacy. Outside, the veranda, a common feature in Japanese homes, merges the interior with the exterior.