Murasaki Shikibu　紫式部

[多紀理、英訳推敲修正版]

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Murasaki Shikibu

Murasaki Shikibu was a poet, writer, and lady-in-waiting during the mid-Heian period. She is best known as the author of "The Tale of Genji," her only narrative work.

In addition to her famous novel, she composed 795 waka poems, which are featured in collections like "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems), "Murasaki Shikibu Diary," where 18 of her poems appear, "Murasaki Shikibu Shu," and "Gojikuge Waka Shu." Murasaki Shikibu is also celebrated as one of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets and the Thirty-Six Immortal Women Poets. Additionally, her daughter Oh-ni-San-ni is recognized for her contributions to the Hyakunin Isshu and as one of the Thirty-Six Immortal Women Poets.

Murasaki Shikibu composing Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) by Tosa Mitsuoki (1617-1691).

Summary

Murasaki Shikibu, whose real name is unknown, was a distinguished poet and writer of the Heian period. It is believed she used names like Toh no Shikibu and Fuji no Shikibu in court before being known as Murasaki Shikibu, a common practice among aristocratic women of her time. This practice is evident as similar anonymity is seen with contemporaries like Sei Shonagon and Izumishikibu.

Scholars estimate that she was born between 970 and 978 and lived until at least 1019. Her father, Fujiwara no Tametoki, a low-ranking noble, taught Chinese studies to Emperor Hanayama. Murasaki married Fujiwara no Noritaka in her mid-twenties and had one daughter. Three years into their marriage, her husband died, and she began writing "The Tale of Genji" around 1002. This epic, consisting of 54 chapters and 795 waka poems, intricately portrays the aristocratic society at the height of the Heian period.

By 1005, Murasaki's talent was recognized, and she was invited by Fujiwara no Michinaga to serve Emperor Ichijo's wife, Chugu no Akiko, and to finalize "The Tale of Genji." Her literary works, including her anthology "Murasaki Shikibu Shu," are treasured for providing insights into her life and the era's culture.

Additionally, Murasaki Shikibu wrote a diary, "Murasaki Shikibu Nikki," which she began in July 1008. Over approximately a year and a half, she recorded detailed accounts of court life and events, offering perspectives not found in official records. This diary is an invaluable source that provides deeper understanding of Heian court culture and "The Tale of Genji."

Despite her profound impact on Japanese literature, much about Murasaki Shikibu's life remains mysterious, including the precise dates of her birth and death.

紫式部百人一首 57番「めぐりあひて見しやそれともわかぬまに雲がくれにし夜半の月かな」

Biographical sketch

Murasaki Shikibu, whose real name remains unknown, was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tameoki, the governor of Echigo, and her mother, Fujiwara no Tamenobu, was the governor of Settsu. Her mother died when she was a child, leaving her with a brother, Fujiwara no Tadanori, and an older sister. It's unclear who was the elder sibling between Murasaki and Tadanori.

Her father, Tameoki, started his career in the imperial court as a reader for the Crown Prince, who later became Emperor Hanayama. After the emperor abdicated, Tameoki was dismissed with a stipend and returned to his province, where Murasaki spent about two years of her childhood.

Murasaki married Fujiwara no Noritaka, her cousin and the guardian of Yamashiro, around 998. They had a daughter, Fujiwara no Kenko, in 999, but both Murasaki and Noritaka died in 1001. Following her husband's death, Murasaki entered the court of Emperor Ichijo in late 1006 or early 1007, serving his wife, Empress Akiko, until at least 1012. Empress Akiko was the eldest daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga, a prominent court official.

眠る紫式部（菊池容斎『前賢故実』江戸末期から明治初期の作）

Person

Name

It is believed that her court name was "Fujishikibu." This name may have originated from her father Tameoki's official position in the Ministry of Ceremonies, Shikibu Daijo, or possibly from her half-brother Tadaki's rank.

The commonly used name "Murasaki Shikibu" did not historically include the color "purple." Theories about the origin of this name suggest it may have been inspired by the character "Murasaki no Ue" from her novel, "The Tale of Genji."

Some scholars speculate that her childhood name could have been "Momo," referencing a poem from "Murasaki Shikibu-shu," which ponders, "I think of the cherry blossoms that fall in time as having the name of Momo." However, this theory is subject to further discussion.

Kakuta Bun'ei proposed in 1963 that her real name might have been "Fujiwara no Kaoko" (alternatively Kaoruko, Takako, or Koshi), listed in the "Mido-Kanbaku-ki" on January 29, 1007. This document describes her as a palanquin bearer, a term implying she was involved in carrying the palanquin at court.

Despite this claim, there is debate over its accuracy, as historical records such as the imperial anthology or genealogical records do not confirm this title.

Additionally, names like "Kako" appear in the titles of literary works about Murasaki Shikibu, such as Kazuko Saegusa’s "Kako no Koi: Novel Murasaki Shikibu" and Yomogi Sakiki's "Kako: The Tale of Murasaki Shikibu" series.

17世紀、江戸時代初期の作、紫式部を描いた金箔をはった扇子

Marital Status

Fujiwara no Noritaka is widely recognized as Murasaki Shikibu's husband, traditionally thought to be her only spouse. However, historical documents challenge this view.

An entry in the "Gonki," dated August 17, 997, refers to a woman named "Goie Kako." This record has led some scholars to suggest that Goie Kako, also known as Fujiwara no Kako, might indeed be Murasaki Shikibu.

This implies that Murasaki Shikibu's marriage to Noritaka was not her first, but that she may have previously been married to Kiki Tokimune.

二千円紙幣D券裏面に描かれている紫式部（右下）。

Murasaki Shikibu: A Literary Advisor at the Heian Court

Murasaki Shikibu is celebrated as the author of "The Tale of Genji," and her role as a literary advisor in the Heian court was equally significant. Her expertise was particularly valued in the education and mentorship of the imperial family. The "Murasaki Shikibu Diary" reveals that she provided literary guidance and contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the court.

Historical records such as "Sonbei Bunkei" identify her with the honorific "Koto-mon'in no nyubu," reflecting her high standing within the imperial circles. Contrary to Edo period depictions focusing on her chastity, these records highlight her active participation in the court's intellectual and cultural life. Her interactions with prominent figures, including Fujiwara no Michinaga, underscore her influence and respect at court.

"The Tale of Genji" showcases her deep insights into court life and her skill in crafting intricate narratives about human emotions and societal interactions. This masterpiece, along with her duties as a literary advisor, underscores her lasting impact on Japanese literature. Scholarly works provide further insight into her contributions, enhancing our understanding of the intellectual and cultural milieu of the Heian period.

『石山月』（月岡芳年『月百姿』）『源氏物語』を執筆する紫式部

Mitsubone in the Nihongi

There is a tale that after Emperor Ichijo's wife read "The Tale of Genji," he commended the author's deep understanding of the Nihongi, or Chronicles of Japan. Impressed, he gave her the nickname "Mitsubone of Nihongi," possibly because he was displeased with those who scoffed at women reading Chinese texts.

Set within the imperial court, "The Tale of Genji" is celebrated for its author's scholarly grasp of historical texts, which was considered an exceptional talent. This admiration from the court underscores the narrative's beauty and depth.

Murasaki Shikibu: Dates of Birth and Death

Murasaki Shikibu's exact birth and death dates are not definitively known, but several theories provide a range of estimates:

Birth: Likely born between 970 and 974, after her father, Tametoki, became the provincial governor of Harima. Scholars such as Gen'ei Imai, Keiji Inaga, and others support various dates within this period.

Death: Theories about her death range from as early as February 1014 to as late as 1031. Notable theories include:

Kazuo Oka, based on a poem from the "Taira Kanemori Shu," suggests February 1014.
Yosano Akiko links her death to around June 6, 1016, correlating with significant events in her father's life.
Hagiya Park and Imai Gen'ei propose she died in 1019, based on specific references in early 1019 anecdotes.
Kamiharasaku Wa places her death in spring 1021, inferred from her late 1020 poetry.
Tamesho Ando argues she lived past 1025, relating to her daughter’s role with the future Emperor Go-Ryokusen.

While supported by various interpretations of texts and anecdotal evidence, a consensus on her dates remains elusive.

Grave Site

The tomb of Murasaki Shikibu is believed to be located in Shino Nishigoshoda-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, specifically on the west side of Horikawa Kitaoji Shimoru. Historical references, such as the 14th-century "Kakaishou" and the 15th-century "Kacho Yojo," mention its proximity to Ono Takamura's tomb. This site is south of Unrin-in Hyakkoin, near the former detached palace of Emperor Junna, where Murasaki Shikibu is said to have spent her later years. Later, the area became part of Daitokuji Temple.

Further confirming the tomb's historical and cultural significance, various Edo period texts, including "Fusou Kyoukaishi," "Yamashiro Meisho Meguroshi," and "Sanshu Meisho Shi," document its location. In 1950, Kiyokazu Kondo donated a large granite monument stone from Shikoku, making it a notable point of interest in Kita-ku, Kyoto.

Others

A story from "Sarugenzoshi" attributes a fondness for sardines to the aristocracy, purportedly penned by Izumishikibu. However, this detail is generally considered a later fictional addition.

「古今姫鑑」紫式部月岡芳年/画（明治9）1876年

Murasaki Shikibu Diary: Character Reviews

In this section, we examine the character reviews of notable women from the same period, starting with the poet Izumi Shikibu. Known for her elegant correspondence, Izumi's behavior wasn't always exemplary.

Her poetic style is apparent when she recites, though she lacks a deep theoretical knowledge of poetics. Despite this, her critiques of poetry should not be dismissed; her poetry is elegant, although she is not widely recognized in literary circles.

紫式部歌碑「めぐりあひて見しやそれともわかぬ間に雲がくれにし夜半の月影（百人一首 57番）」

京都市上京区廬山寺内

Izumi Shikibu’s harsh critiques have sparked speculations of jealousy towards Sei Shonagon, author of "The Pillow Book." Although it is suggested that the two did not know each other personally—separated by nearly a decade in age and court service—this remains unconfirmed by historical documents.

After Empress Sadako's death, Sei Shonagon reportedly moved to Settsu with her husband, Fujiwara no Muneyo. It has been suggested, without solid evidence, that she returned there to care for Sadako’s orphans and had interactions with Murasaki Shikibu and others.

為家朝臣、物言ひける女にかれがれに成りて後、みあれの日暮にはと言ひて、葵をおこせて侍ければ、娘に代はりて詠み侍りける小馬命婦その色の草ともみえず枯れにしをいかに言ひてか今日はかくべき

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　— 『後拾遺集』908番

Additionally, a poem in "Goshūi Wakashū" (No. 908) hints at a connection between Murasaki Shikibu’s and Sei Shonagon's daughters. The poem, composed for a woman longing to see her deceased husband, metaphorically suggests that her grief caused the hollyhocks to wither.