"Why the literature of mid-Heian should have been dominated by women is another problem that exercises the scholars. Possibly it has something to do with the fact that Japan seems to have been relatively free of the harem politics that so beset other Oriental countries, and talented ladies of leisure therefore found other outlets for their energies ( Read more... )

"Genji Monogatari: Sennen no Nazo/Tale of Genji: A Thousand Year Engima ( Read more... )

при чтении Genji Monogatari понимаешь, что в литературе, как и в искусстве, прогресса нет и быть не может
читая Стендаля, начинаешь сомневаться

Society lost sight, to a great extent, of true morality, and the effeminacy of the people constituted the chief feature of the age. Men were ever ready to carry on sentimental adventures whenever they found opportunities, and the ladies of the time were not disposed to disencourage them altogether.
Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first ( Read more... )

To the temple of Sumiyoshi he sent a messenger to say that the haste of his journey prevented him coming at this time, but that he would fulfil his vows as soon as circumstances would permit.

Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first translation into the English by Suematsu Kencho (Suyematz Kenchio)

An old custom in Japan for girls when married, or even betrothed, is to blacken their teeth. This custom, however, is rapidly disappearing

Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first translation into English by Suematsu Kencho (Suyematz Kenchio)

The public was afraid he was too beautiful to live long.

Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first translation into English by Suematsu Kencho (Suyematz Kenchio)

He descended to the river, and bathing his hands, offered up a prayer to Kwannon of Kiyomidz...

Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first translation into English by Suematsu Kencho (Suyematz Kenchio)
в 1900 году напечатано, а по-нынешнему будет "Кannon Кiyomizu" (в название храма входит mizu (水) - вода ( Read more... )

And the Emperor, who had before tried to resist them, now found old memories irresistible.

Murasaki Shikibu "The Tale of Genji" | the first translation into English by Suematsu Kencho (Suyematz Kenchio)

1/01/2009 - 12/08/2009


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