Where can I see Scene from the Tale of Genji: from the chapter "Butterflies"?

Scene from the Tale of Genji: from the chapter "Butterflies" is held by Detroit Institute of Arts.

Artwork

Scene from the Tale of Genji: from the chapter "Butterflies"

Scene from the Tale of Genji: from the chapter "Butterflies" is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1573 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

The work, titled “Scene from the Tale of Genji: from the chapter ‘Butterflies,’” is a Japanese painting that depicts a tranquil gathering of figures in traditional dress beside a building with a sweeping, curved roof. Set amid trees and foliage, the composition emphasizes atmosphere over individual expression, inviting a calm, reflective viewing experience.

Subject & Meaning

Drawing its narrative from the classic Heian-era novel, the scene captures a moment from the “Butterflies” chapter, a passage noted for its delicate emotional tone. The indistinct faces of the participants suggest a universal contemplation of the story’s themes rather than a focus on specific characters, reinforcing the literary source’s subtlety.

Technique & Style

Executed in muted earth tones, the palette is dominated by soft beige and subdued greens, creating a harmonious visual field. The brushwork renders the architectural curve and surrounding vegetation with restrained detail, while the figures are suggested rather than fully delineated, a stylistic choice that foregrounds spatial serenity.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Its acquisition details are recorded by the museum, placing the work within a broader assemblage of Japanese art that the institution has curated to represent the cultural and artistic exchanges of the period.