Murasaki Shikibu c. 1615 - 1868

Torii Kiyonaga’s ‘Murasaki Shikibu’ is a woodblock print, which today resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The tranquil scene depicts a woman poised on a veranda against a soft, natural backdrop. This elegant composition uses line and color to create a sense of depth and serenity. The linear structure of the veranda, combined with the soft color palette, structures the viewing experience. The lines direct our gaze toward the figure of Murasaki Shikibu, an author of Japanese literature, seated at her desk. She looks pensively toward a distant, misty landscape. Her pose and the composition of the scene invoke a sense of quiet contemplation, and the natural imagery in the background contributes to the atmosphere, suggesting a world in harmony. We are invited to step back in time and reflect on the structural harmony of the image and its resonance with the ideals of beauty and intellect. The artwork celebrates the power of literature and aesthetic harmony.