A Tale of Sex and Intrigue in Imperial Kyoto A thousand years ago, Murasaki Shikibu wrote "The Tale of Genji," the world’s first novel. Who was she?

I was bewildered that #TheTaleOfGenji had such a hold on me ... It is a wild, confounding work that many consider to be the first #novel ever written, by a mysterious woman whose true name we’ll never know, but whom we call Murasaki Shikibu, or #LadyMurasaki.
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc...

Our final illustration from the 12th century "Genji Monogatari Emaki" is the one which depicts the death of Lady Murasaki. Only about 15% of the handscroll remains. #ladymurasaki #murasakishikabu #handscrolls #yamatoe #genjimonogatariemaki #gentji #taleofgenji

This is an image of the calligraphy of the "Genji Monogatari Emaki" (written by Murasaki Shikabu/Lady Murasaki). It is a section of the "Yokobue" (Flute) chapter. #ladymurasaki #murasakishikabu #handscrolls #calligraphy #japanese #genjimonogatariemaki #genji #taleofgenji

Another illustration from the 12th century "Genji Monogatari Emaki" which contain "The Tale of Genji", written by the 11th century writer, Murasaki Shikabu (also known as Lady Murasaki). #murasakishikabu #ladymurasaki #taleofgenji #genjimonogatariemaki #handscrolls #japanese #yamatoe #genji