The illustration of "Takekawa" ("Bamboo River") I of the national treasure "The Tale of Genji Illustrated Handscrolls" is seen at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya's Higashi Ward on Nov. 12, 2021. (Mainichi/Koji Hyodo)

       NAGOYA -- Parts of the oldest surviving sets of illustrated handscrolls depicting the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji" were unveiled to the public following nearly a decade of restoration work in a special exhibition here starting Nov. 13.

       Restoration of 15 volumes of "The Tale of Genji Illustrated Handscrolls" held by the private Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya began in 2012. The scrolls, along with a smaller set from the Gotoh Museum in Tokyo, had been disassembled and mounted in frames, but restorers returned them to their original handscroll format for long-term preservation.

       The Tale of Genji Illustrated Handscrolls are said to have been created in the first half of the 12th century, during Japan's Heian period. The 15 surviving works in the Tokugawa Art Museum collection comprise 16 sections of text and 15 pictures, while the Gotoh Museum pieces consist of four sections of text and four illustrations. The handscrolls are national treasures.

       The museums take turns exhibiting their scrolls every five years. Though the Gotoh Museum was scheduled to put its works on display in 2020, the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

       The illustration and text of "Yadorigi" ("The Ivy") II of the national treasure "The Tale of Genji Illustrated Handscrolls" are seen at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya's Higashi Ward on Nov. 12, 2021. (Mainichi/Koji Hyodo)

       According to the Tokugawa Art Museum, the work is less susceptible to air and light, and to warping in its handscroll form. While part of the work was unveiled when it was still under restoration, five volumes, including "Yadorigi" ("The Ivy") II, which illustrates a marriage scene, and "Takekawa" ("Bamboo River") I, are on display for the first time.

       Curator Miho Yoshikawa commented, "I'd like visitors to view the illustrated handscrolls of the original Tale of Genji, while mourning the recent death of Buddhist nun Jakucho Setouchi, who did its modern translation."

       The exhibition will last until Dec. 12, with the 15 works being divided between the first and second half. The museum is closed on Mondays.

       (Japanese original by Yasuo Yamada, Nagoya News Center)

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