“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)

“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This fragment from the Phantom Genji Scrolls depicts the funeral of Genji’s wife, Aoi. In an episode wrought with grief and lamentation, her body is taken to the mortuary grounds of Toribeno. A prelate wearing the orange robes and light blue mantle of a high-ranking Tendai monk performs rites before a richly ornamented altar. The cremation is rendered in bold clarity, with sculptural crimson flames enveloping a brilliant jeweled casket.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)“Leaves of Wild Ginger” (Aoi), from the Phantom Genji Scrolls (Maboroshi no Genji monogatari emaki)

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.