The Tale of Genji: A Guide to the Elegance of the Heian Dynasty, from Incense to Genji Incense
The lingering scent of subtle fragrance wafts through the Heian court. Incense, introduced with the rise of Buddhism, permeated the imperial court and the residences of aristocrats in the early Heian period, becoming an established part of imperial culture. The Tale of Genji was born in the mid-Heian period, when this culture was at its peak. This was a time when arts such as writing, painting, music, architecture, and landscaping reached the pinnacle of formal beauty, and the aesthetic sense of "elegance" dominated the era.
Scent was one of the most elusive yet crucial elements of this "elegance." From "Koromo-ko" (scented clothing) to "Koromo-ko" (scented fragrances ... In later years, this culture of fragrance would culminate in the art of incense, known as "Genji-ko."
In The Tale of Genji, scents are skillfully used as keys to convey the emotional turmoil of the characters and the nuances of their relationships.
Fujitsubo is shaken when she senses Hikaru Genji's visit from a sudden scent in the air.
The noble Suetsumuhana, who, even in her downtrodden state, still wears the scent of rare fragrant wood.
Naka no Kimi is wearing the scent of Kaoru no Kimi, and Niou no Miya becomes suspicious of their relationship.
The scent of mustard at the goma fire ritual makes Rokujo no Miyasudokoro realize that she has become a living spirit.
The difference in the scents worn by Niou no Miya and Kaoru no Kimi, who each inherit the two aspects of Hikaru no Kimi, is evident in the fragrances worn by them.
This book explores the profound world of The Tale of Genji through its descriptions of fragrance. This is a gem of a book by an author who has written numerous works related to the Genji tale, including "Genji's Love Letters" and the four-volume "New Translation of the Tale of Genji." He also studied the art of incense and edited and annotated "Kodo Ran no Sono." (Annotation by Marie Mariya and Megumi Moriyama)
[Book Contents]
In lieu of a preface: The Tale of Genji and Incense
The World of Genji and Fragrance
The Journey to Incense
Six Types of Incense
Collected Incenses
Nioumiya and Kaoru-kun
About "Genjiko"
Afterword to the Asahi Sensho Edition
From "Kunshu Ruisho" (Gunsho Ruiju Edition)
List of References
Annotation by Marie Mariya and Megumi Moriyama
The first edition of this book was published by Kyuryudo in 1986. The paperback edition was based on the 1992 edition published by Asahi Shimbun Publications as Asahi Sensho.
