The next aspect of art we will explore with Genji prints is the ubiquitous golden clouds that frame each of the pictures. When I saw the small images of Genji at the museum, this was their most striking feature, because even after 900 years, the gold leaf (it was real!) shined like the prince himself!
Why do you think Genji artists find this world to be floating in golden clouds?
Next, regarding time, we know that each picture corresponds to a section of the story. This setting is represented usually with flowers, but it could also be leaves, or other parts of nature such as snow or rain.
Japan is a country of seasons, I now recall as I move from one place to the next, sweating under a hot summer sun. These seasons play an important role in how Japanese artists imagine themselves in their art.
YOUR TASK:
Remember to include some indication of "season" in your drawing. Your drawing should also be framed by some aspect of nature, but it does not have to be clouds.
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