Author: (Japanese) Anonymous, translated by Tang Yue Mei
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The source of the five classical masterpieces illustrated in this collection comes from the unique qualities of Japanese beauty found in the classical Japanese works The Pillow Book, The Tale of Genji, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of Ise, and The Tale of the Heike. In other words, in the scrolls (emaki) of these monogatari or zōshi, the beauty of Japanese literature is also vividly reflected. The scrolls of the Illustrated Classics of Japanese Classical Masterpieces are like multiple brilliant rainbows. The Japanese concept of emaki refers to the adaptation of Chinese Tang painting into Yamato-e, becoming a core component of Japanese painting. The rich and varied illustrations can deepen the cultural essence of the monogatari, vividly and three-dimensionally recreating the aesthetic sentiments intended by the authors in the text. Meanwhile, the textual annotations reflect the original text of the monogatari, aiding in understanding the textual content within the scrolls. This approach not only satisfies the aesthetic needs of the text but also expands the scope of aesthetics, allowing people to derive greater pleasure, enjoyment, and a richer feast of beauty from the illustrated monogatari.
In scrolls from different eras, this work collectively showcases the foundational scenes of this monogatari literature—the cutting of bamboo, transmigration, marriage proposals, ascending to heaven, and scattering flowers—connecting the heavens and the mortal world. Diverse characters leap to life, embodying a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, a realm of mystical and fantastical beauty. The scrolls of the Illustrated Classics of Japanese Classical Masterpieces are like multiple brilliant rainbows. The Japanese concept of emaki refers to the adaptation of Chinese Tang painting into Yamato-e, becoming a core component of Japanese painting. The rich and varied illustrations can deepen the cultural essence of the monogatari, vividly and three-dimensionally recreating the aesthetic sentiments intended by the authors in the text. Meanwhile, the textual annotations reflect the original text of the monogatari, aiding in understanding the textual content within the scrolls. This approach not only satisfies the aesthetic needs of the text but also expands the scope of aesthetics, allowing people to derive greater pleasure, enjoyment, and a richer feast of beauty from the illustrated monogatari.
In scrolls from different eras, this work collectively showcases the foundational scenes of this monogatari literature—the cutting of bamboo, transmigration, marriage proposals, ascending to heaven, and scattering flowers—connecting the heavens and the mortal world. Diverse characters leap to life, embodying a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, a realm of mystical and fantastical beauty. Discover the existence of Japanese beauty and experience the purest and most authentic feast of beauty!