The Tale of Genji and Fragrance "Effects and Techniques"
How are you doing?
The Tale of Genji is full of descriptions of scents, most of which are incense.
I think this is an effect that allows you to more clearly imagine a scene that cannot be conveyed through words alone, but did Murasaki Shikibu understand this technique when she wrote it?
Even today, many artists use scent descriptions to create more specific scenes.
Now, we don't know what Murasaki Shikibu intended, but it is a fact that incense was popular during the Heian period . It seems to have been both functional and emotional.
The description of the scent gives you an idea of the season of the episode. Also, in chapter 3, " Utsusemi," there is a scene where Hikaru Genji falls asleep in a thin garment left behind by his beloved, who went into hiding because of their different social status. The emotions are easy to understand. What kind of incense did the woman use to perfume her garment?
Furthermore, after the death of Hikaru Genji, Murasaki Shikibu uses scent (body odor) to embody the characters Kaoru and Niou, the protagonists in the latter half of The Tale of Genji.
Since incense was a common use in the Heian period, it is unlikely that anyone ever questioned the effect or technique that "fragrance" had on writing and on readers.
Bridge and Blend's "Six in Sense" is a faithful reproduction of the fragrances that appear in The Tale of Genji, but many incense manufacturers and brands also use each chapter of The Tale of Genji as their theme, expressing the images of the characters and stories through their scents and designs.
The Tale of Genji and fragrance are a never-ending journey.
Have a Scentful Day!
