Murasaki Shikibu

A mannequin dressed as Murasaki, at Nintendo's Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Museum in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

The grave of Murasaki Shikibu, at Horikawa-Kitaôji in Kyoto.

• Born: c. 973?
• Died: after 1014
• Japanese: 紫式部 (Murasaki Shikibu)

The Heian period court lady Murasaki Shikibu is famous as the author of the Tale of Genji, and for her poetry. Little is known of the details of her life.

It is believed she may have been born around 973. Her father was Fujiwara no Tametoki and her mother, a daughter of Fujiwara no Tamenobu. Her true name is unknown, but she is believed to have been known during her life as Fuji-shikibu, as a result of her father holding the post or title of daijô within the Department of Rites (shikibu),. It is believed that the name Murasaki Shikibu may have come about after her death, possibly in connection with the Lady Murasaki who appears as a prominent character in her Tale of Genji.

References

• "Murasaki Shikibu." Asahi Nihon rekishi jinbutsu jiten 朝日日本歴史人物事典. Asahi Shimbun-sha.