A research on the upper class comprehension of residences shown in the narrative pictures in the early modern period

the case of the Tale of Genji pictures series

Abstract

In this research, we aim to clarify how the upper class in the early modem period had comprehended Shindenzukuri of ancient time and constructed their ideal image of living space, through the images of Tale of Genji picture series painted in each period. The Syoinzukuri style that was typical for the upper class was presented as a living space in The Tale of Genji picture at the early modern age, and the yearning to various living spaces was expressed by each painter and production situation. The image was derived from the Imperial Court culture of the 17th century. The Samurai in the early modem age expressed their authenticity by adding the image of the living space that was drawn in the Tale of Genji picture as their own residence. On the other hand, they had enough historical understanding of Shindenzukuri , and they did study on the ancient Imperial palace presented in detail in the narrative picture scroll that was shared by the specific class in the late 17th century.