Genji paintings refer to a genre of Japanese art that illustrates scenes and characters from 'The Tale of Genji', a classic work of literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. These artworks, often created in the form of handscrolls, vividly depict the emotional depth and cultural richness found within the narrative, bringing to life the complex relationships and courtly life of the Heian period. Genji paintings are significant not only for their aesthetic value but also for their role in preserving and interpreting the themes of love, beauty, and transience present in the tale.
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