Parody of Murasaki, from "Lavender" (Wakamurasaki), chapter 5 of the Tale of Genji 1700 - 1741

"Parody of Murasaki" is a painting by Kawamata Tsuneyuki, a Japanese artist who lived from 1676 to 1741. This work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a scene from the "Tale of Genji," a 11th century Japanese novel by Murasaki Shikibu. The painting depicts a woman in a lavish kimono, standing near a bridge with a birdcage on the left. The artist's meticulous brushstrokes create a sense of elegance and refinement, characteristic of the *ukiyo-e* style, which emerged in the 17th century and focused on everyday life and popular culture. This particular artwork is an illustration from a chapter of the "Tale of Genji" called *Wakamurasaki* ("Lavender").