Artwork
“A Branch of Sacred Evergreen” (Sakaki), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)
“A Branch of Sacred Evergreen” (Sakaki), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, titled "A Branch of Sacred Evergreen" (Sakaki), is a component of the larger "Phantom Genji Scrolls" (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki).
This painting, titled "A Branch of Sacred Evergreen" (Sakaki), is a component of the larger "Phantom Genji Scrolls" (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki). It depicts a two-story architectural interior teeming with figures engaged in various activities. The scene is rendered with a distinct visual clarity, presenting a slice of life within a grand structure, hinting at a narrative origin while maintaining an observational quality.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork's title, "A Branch of Sacred Evergreen," directly references a chapter from The Tale of Genji, one of Japan's most celebrated literary works. Despite this specific allusion, the figures within the depicted two-story building appear to be absorbed in routine daily life rather than dramatic narrative moments. This portrayal suggests an interpretation that might emphasize the mundane aspects of existence, even within a story of courtly intrigue, or perhaps an imagined, less explicit retelling of the classic.
Technique & Style
The painting employs a distinctive aesthetic characterized by flat, vibrant colors
including reds, blues, and greens
applied without the use of deep shadows, which contributes to a two-dimensional effect. The architectural elements are rendered with clean, unadorned lines, emphasizing the building's structure rather than intricate ornamentation. Figures are arranged in groups across both levels of the long building, creating a sense of activity within a clearly defined, yet simplified, spatial environment.
Artist & collection
Untitled
一遍上人絵伝「遊行上人縁起絵」 断簡|A Nenbutsu Gathering at Ichiya, Kyoto, from the Illustrated Biography of the Monk Ippen and His Disciple Ta'a (Yugyō Shōnin engi-e)
能楽風俗図絵巻|Six Noh Performances in Scenes from Daily Life
拾遺古徳伝絵断簡|Illustrated Biography of Hōnen (Shūikotokūden-e)
Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sannō Hiyoshi Festivals Held on the Day of the Monkey in the Mid-Fourth Month”; Festivities of the Twelve Months: “Sumō Wrestling at Matsuno’o Shrine during the Hass
Untitled
源氏物語画帖「玉鬘」|“A Lovely Garland” (Tamakazura), from The Tale of Genji