Murasaki Shikibu (c. 978, Kyoto--d. c. 1014, Kyoto), was the author of the Genji monogatari (The Tale of Genji), generally considered the greatest work of Japanese literature and
thought to be the world's oldest full novel. Her real name is unknown; it is conjectured that she acquired the sobriquet of Murasaki from the name of the heroine of her novel. Murasaki Shikibu roughly translates as "Lavender Secretary" The main source of knowledge about her life is the diary she kept between 1007 and 1010. This work possesses considerable interest for the delightful glimpses it affords of life at the court of the empress Joto mon'in, whom Murasaki Shikibu served.
Some critics believe that she wrote the entire Tale of Genji between 1001 (the year her husband, Fujiwara Nobutaka, died) and 1005, when she began serving at court. More probably, however, the composition of this extremely long and complex novel extended over a much greater period and was not finished until about 1010.
The Tale of Genji captures the image of a unique society of ultrarefined and elegant aristocrats, whose indispensable accomplishments were skill in poetry, music, calligraphy, and courtship. Much of it is concerned with the loves of Hikaru Genji (the shining prince) and the different women in his life, all of whom are exquisitely delineated. Although the novel does not contain scenes of powerful action, it is permeated with a sensitivity to human emotions and informed by the aesthetic of mono no aware ("the poignance of things"). Genji is also very concerned with cultivating a beautiful and elegant lifestyle, a principle called miyabi.
The Tale of Genji continues to have cultural prominence in Japan. Images of its characters grace everything from tee-shirts to stationary, and manga and anime versions of the famous love story have been produced. It is required reading in all Japanese high schools. The importance of the Tale of Genji was recognized in a new way last year with the production of a new 2000 yen note which features an image of Murasaki Shikibu on one side. |
