Murasaki Shikibu
(973?–1014?), Japanese writer. Murasaki Shikibu wrote the undisputed masterpiece of Japanese literature Genji monogatari (The Tale of Genji, 1001?–1014?). This monumental prose work, interspersed with 795 short poems, takes place at the imperial court. Although much of the author's life remains a mystery, some facts can be gleaned from remarks by her contemporaries, her memoirs (c. 1010), and her poetry collection (1014?). The author's actual name is unknown. "Murasaki Shikibu" is a sobriquet made from "Murasaki," the name of the favorite wife of the eponymous hero of Genji, and "Shikibu," an office once held by her father Fujiwara Tametoki (945–1020) and her brother Nobunori (980?–1011). Although Murasaki Shikibu came from the powerful northern branch of the Fujiwara clan, her lineage had fallen to the level of provincial governor. As a writer she followed the path of her paternal relatives, many of whom were distinguished poets.
In 998, Murasaki married Fujiwara Nobutaka (950?–1001), a second cousin. She bore him one daughter, Kenshi (999–1083). Murasaki began writing soon after her husband's unexpected death in 1001. Her genius was immediately recognized, and she was summoned to the imperial court as a tutor to Empress Shoshi ( Joto Mon'in, 988–1074), daughter of the brilliant statesman Fujiwara Michinaga (966–1027).
The illustrated diary of Lady Murasaki dating to c. 1185–1333. (SAKAMOTO PHOTO RESEARCH LABORATORY/CORBIS)Further Reading
Bargen, Doris G. (1997) A Woman's Weapon: Spirit Possession in The Tale of Genji. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Bowring, Richard, trans. (1982) Murasaki Shikibu: Her Diary and Poetic Memoirs. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Dalby, Liza. (2000) The Tale of Murasaki: A Novel. New York: Doubleday.
Field, Norma. (1987) The Splendor of Longing in The Tale of Genji. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Morris, Ivan. (1964) The World of the Shining Prince: Court Life in Ancient Japan. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press.
Seidensticker, Edward G., trans. (1976) The Tale of Genji. New York: Knopf.
Shirane, Haruo. (1987) The Bridge of Dreams: A Poetics of The Tale of Genji. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
Tyler, Royall, trans. (2001) The Tale of Genji. New York: Viking Penguin.
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