The Tale of Genji: Colors of the Fifty-Four Chapters by Seigensha revives the colors loved by Hikaru Genji through thorough reproduction of the layered costume colors (kasane no irome) described across all fifty-four chapters of Murasaki Shikibu's classic work. Late dyer Sachio Yoshioka carefully studied each chapter, decoded records of dyeing and textiles from the Engi-shiki collection of Heian period laws, and reproduced the kasane no irome using original dyeing methods from that era.
This redesigned compact edition includes all color illustrations of the fifty-four chapters with text focusing on dyeing and colorant explanations. English text appears alongside all Japanese content, with quotations from The Tale of Genji using Edward Seidensticker's acclaimed English translation. This bilingual companion book allows readers to explore what costumes the characters wore and what emotional transitions were expressed through the layering of colors across Japan's four seasons.
This redesigned compact edition includes all color illustrations of the fifty-four chapters with text focusing on dyeing and colorant explanations. English text appears alongside all Japanese content, with quotations from The Tale of Genji using Edward Seidensticker's acclaimed English translation. This bilingual companion book allows readers to explore what costumes the characters wore and what emotional transitions were expressed through the layering of colors across Japan's four seasons.
Key Features
- Fifty-four chapter color reproductions: Complete illustrations of kasane no irome from Kiritsubo through Yume no Ukihashi.
- Traditional Heian dyeing methods: Colors reproduced using original plant dyeing techniques from the Heian period.
- Bilingual edition: English text provided alongside all Japanese content.
- Edward Seidensticker translation: Tale of Genji quotations use the acclaimed English translation.
- Focus on dyeing and colorants: Text excerpts emphasize dyeing techniques and plant-based colorant explanations.
- Compact B6 format: Redesigned from the 2008 Color Dictionary edition into a portable size.
- Edited by Sarasa Yoshioka: Reconstructed and re-edited from Sachio Yoshioka's original research and dye color plates.
| Format | B6 (approx. 128 × 182 mm) |
|---|---|
| Original Author | Sachio Yoshioka |
| Editor | Sarasa Yoshioka |
| Publisher | Seikosha |
| Original Edition | Based on 2008 Color Dictionary of The Tale of Genji |
| Language | Japanese and English (bilingual) |
| Made in | Japan |
