Murasaki Shikibu
Edo period (1615–1868), about 1784
Torii Kiyonaga Japanese, 1752-1815
Japan
The famous author of the "Genji Monogatari" is depicted seated on the engawa of one of the buildings of Ishiyama. Buddhist temple on a rocky hillside overlooking Lake Biwa where she is said to have written that classic romance. Writing materials are upon a low tabl e before her and she holds a brush in her hand.
Color woodblock print; oban