Scene from the 'Spring Shoots II' Chapter of The Tale of Genji, late 16th century, Unknown Japanese, 10 3/8 ¡Ñ 22 in. (26.35 ¡Ñ 55.88 cm) (image)45 3/8 ¡Ñ 25 3/8 in. (115.25 ¡Ñ 64.45 cm) (mount), Ink, color, and gold on paper, Japan, 16th century, The scene on this folding fan is from chapter 14 of The Tale of Genji. Genji makes a pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi Shrine to thank the gods after the end of a period of exile. Genji and his entourage have parked their elegant carriages near Sumiyoshi¡¦s pine-lined beach. Illustrations of this scene, including several in this exhibition, often show a single boat floating off the coast, signaling the simultaneous arrival of Genji¡¦s former lover, the Akashi Lady. The magnificence of Genji¡¦s entourage makes the Akashi Lady painfully aware of her own lower social status, so she retreats without ever announcing her presence. When Genji learns she is nearby, they exchange a series of poems.