exhibition

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

There are many reasons to visit this exhibition. The two lengthy emakimono (scrolls of alternating text and pictures) are the oldest surviving such versions of this story, dating back to the early 17th century. They are masterpieces from the Edo period and have recently undergone two years of specialist conservation work. The tale itself is the oldest example of Japanese prose fiction, written some thousand years ago. Beyond their historical significance, however, the scrolls are exquisite works of art. They combine consummate Japanese painting skills with the beguilingly innocent story of a moonchild found in a glowing bamboo stalk. She steals the heart of every Earthling she meets, and of course eventually departs for her celestial home. It seems we have quite the history of abandonment by heavenly beings. / Jerath Head