Murasaki Shikibu – Japanese writer of the Heian era (11th century), author of The Tale of Genji, often called the world’s first novel. She served as a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court. Her blend of prose and poetry vividly portrayed court life, while her diary remains a vital source on 11th-century Japan. Her name has become a symbol of women’s literature worldwide.
📖 The Tale of Genji spans 54 chapters with over a thousand characters. 🖋️ Her real name is unknown – “Murasaki Shikibu” was a court nickname. 👘 She served as lady-in-waiting to Empress Shōshi, writing the tale for court ladies. 📚 The work is regarded as the world’s first psychological novel. 🎨 It inspired lavishly illustrated scrolls and stage adaptations. 📜 Her diary reveals court intrigues and women’s emotions. 🌸 Nature and seasonal imagery are central to her poetry. 🌍 The tale has been translated into many languages, including English in the 20th century. 📖 Japan celebrates a festival dedicated to Genji and Murasaki. 😲 Curious fact: the tale was so long it took years to hand-copy onto scrolls. 😄 Funny fact: legend says she hid her knowledge of Chinese from men out of modesty.