Piece from a Robe (Kosode) with Maple Leaves, Curtain, and Large Drum

Unknown artist

Even in the absence of any figures, the pictorial design on this textile can be tentatively identified as the autumn excursion to the Suzaku Palace in chapter 7 of The Tale of Genji. Here, the scene is set for Genji’s dance: it is performed within an enclosed curtained space under brilliant maple leaves with a drum accompaniment. A stairway and post suggest palace architecture.