Japanese novel inspires millennia of artists

The Japanese novel, The Tale of Genji, has inspired artists for more
than a thousand years.

It was written in Japan in the 11th century but generations of
painters, sculptors and designers have interpreted it through a
variety of mediums.

Now the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is paying tribute to
the text with artwork gathered from around the world.

Nick Harper reports from New York.

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The artworks are hundreds of years old. The book they're based on is
over a thousand. But time has done little to reduce the impact of
either.
Much of the work shows some of the 400 characters in key scenes from the book.
Characters that still have a vibrancy today. Their feelings and
emotions have resonated through the centuries.
It's part of the reason why the book has been described as the world's
first psychological novel.
It's a sprawling saga, spread over 54 chapters, that deals with court
intrigue, love affairs, and the Buddhist attitude towards life.
John T. Carpenter is the Curator of Japanese Art at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, and responsible for assembling this exhibition.

SOT - John T. Carpenter, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art,
Metropolitan Museum of Art
"The Tale of Genji so sensitively relates these human emotions. So I
think this is one of the reasons why it has this universal appeal. On
every level, whether reading it as a tale of the court a thousand
years ago, or reading it as a text that reveals a religious outlook on
life, I think this appeals to readers of all ages and of all
cultures."

TAKE VO
Although the original manuscript no longer exists, several of the
paintings deal with the novel's inception.
They show the author, 11th century Japanese courtier Murasaki Shikibu,
staring at a full moon reflected on a lake.
It's said Genji was born out of such a moment while she was staying at
Ishiyamadera Temple in Kyoto.
Part of that temple has been re-created in New York. Its altar is one
of the first things you see as you enter.
Ceremonial objects and artwork, borrowed from the temple, were
transported here. Along with the oldest object, a Buddha statue.

SOT - John T. Carpenter, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art,
Metropolitan Museum of Art
"People might just take it for granted when they see the statue of the
Bodhisattva Kannon, this is the compassionate Bodhisattva that comes
Ishiyamadera. // It's a 10th century statue. It's never left
Ishiyamadera in over a millennia."

TAKE VO
It made the journey half way round the world. But it wasn't given
pride of place on the altar.
Even though the Japanese temple officials were happy for it to be
displayed without precautions.

SOT - John T. Carpenter, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art,
Metropolitan Museum of Art
"The abbott of Ishiyamadera wanted us to put the Kannon, the famous
Kannon, the important cultural property right in the middle of our
altar, without plexiglass. And of course the Agency for Cultural
Affairs said please don't do that."

TAKE VO
Artists through the ages have interpreted the tale. Right up to the
modern-day graphic novel style of Manga, giving the characters the
trademark big eyes and bright clothes.
Also on display is a palanquin - a ceremonial box, inside which the
wife of a shogun was carried on her wedding day in 1856.
There are also masks for the classical Japanese theatre style of Noh
and embroidered silk robes worn by 18th century noblewomen - all of
them inspired by the characters in the novel.

TAKE VO
Indeed the tale has endured and inspired. Far more than the noblewoman
who commissioned the book could have suspected.

SOT - John T. Carpenter, Mary Griggs Burke Curator of Japanese Art,
Metropolitan Museum of Art
"I'm sure that she never imagined that she would eventually receive a
54 chapter tale, with 400 characters, 795 Japanese poems. And a tale
that would come to be seen as one of the great masterpieces of
Japanese literature."

TAKE VO
The exhibition in New York runs until June 16th.
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