Matsumoto Ichiyō (1893–1952) 
Walking on a Bridge 
Japan, c. 1915–1920 
Pair of two-panel screens; ink and color on paper 
Purchase, Marjorie Lewis Griffing and Beatrice Watson Parrent Funds, 1994 (7542.1a-b)

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The world 
Is a sort of dream 
A floating bridge 
I cross 
Lost in thought. 
 
This pair of screens is thought to be inspired by the last chapter of Tale of Genji, “Floating Bridge of Dreams.” Ichiyō’s imaginative reinvention of the theme as a literal bridge on floating boats departs from traditional illustrations. The youthful figure, appropriately dressed as a Heian period (794–1185) courtier, likely depicts Kaoru, son of Genji and protagonist of the chapter, with a downward gaze and pensive look. Tale of Genji is celebrated as one of the world’s oldest novels and is all the more remarkable for its female authorship, having been largely written by the court lady Murasaki Shikubu (c. 973–c. 1014). 
 
Ichiyō was a graduate of the Kyoto School of Arts and Crafts (a later name for the Kyoto Prefectural Painting School). The school’s curriculum included traditional Japanese-style painting (Yamato-e), of which illustrations to Tale of Genji were characteristic, as well as literati landscapes and other styles. Ichiyō was best known for modernized Yamato-e subjects such as this, which were well–received in the annual national exhibition.