The Tendril Wreath (Tamakazura), Calligraphic Excerpt from Chapter 22 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Curator: Here we have “The Tendril Wreath,” a calligraphic excerpt from the Tale of Genji, attributed to Jōhōji Kōjo and held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels incredibly delicate. The light blue paper and the elegant, flowing script give it a sense of tranquility, almost ephemeral. Curator: The Tale of Genji is a cornerstone of Japanese literature. The selection of this excerpt and its presentation reflect the cultural prestige associated with the story. The materials and their deliberate use speak volumes. Editor: Absolutely. The contrast between the dense, decorative border and the airy calligraphy creates a beautiful tension. The negative space is just as important as the marks themselves. Curator: The aesthetic of imperfection, wabi-sabi, prevalent in Japanese art, is definitely suggested here. Editor: Yes, and it’s intriguing to consider what this fragment might tell us about the larger narrative and the society that revered it. Curator: Indeed, it offers us a glimpse into the values and the artistic practices of the time. Editor: A peaceful, thought-provoking piece.