The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is the oldest Japanese work of prose fiction dating from the Heian period (794 -1185). It is one of the most important stories in Japanese classical courtly literature. The scrolls, believed to be the earliest surviving illustrated version of the tale, are currently on display in the Chester Beatty Library from May 11 to August 5 2012. The exhibition is free to enter as are the Permanent Exhibitions, Arts of the Book on the first floor and Sacred traditions on the Second Floor. On the ground floor there is The Silk Road Cafe which serves the most divine food from Afghanistan, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Palestine, as well as Ireland, along with an amazing gift shop. Membership for the Chester Beatty is €50 for the year. Located at the back of Dublin Castle it is well worth a visit.

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter Old Bamboo Cutter is out is out gathering bamboo one day when he notices a stalk that glows at the base. After careful investigation he discovers at the base of the bamboo a child of supernatural beauty only three inches tall. He takes the child home where himself and his wife raise the child as their own. As the girl grows in to a woman the Bamboo Cutter grows rich. He dresses his daughter in fine robes and names her Nayotake no Kaguya-hime The Shining Princess of the Supple Bamboo . Word of her beauty grows and Suitors call from throughout the realm. The Bamboo Cutter is anxious to see his daughter settled before he dies he begs his daughter to marry. Kaguya sets each of her suitors a quest to see who was most deserving. Suitor One is asked for the stone begging-bowl of the Budda. Suitor Two is asked to fetch the jeweled branch from Pengai Paradise. Suitor Three is asked to obtain a robe made from fire-rat fur. Suitor Four is asked to retrieve a jewel from a dragon's neck. Suitor Five is has to capture an easy-delivery charm from a swallow's nest. Each suitor fails in their task. Word of Kaguya's beauty reaches the Emperor who goes to great lengths to meet Kaguya. The Emperor stages an imperial hunt near the Bamboo Cutters home in order to meet her. His persistence pays off, he meets her falling in love with her. Three years pass, during which time the Emperor and Lady Kaguya have been corresponding, and Lady Kaguya grows melancholic, finally she reviles to her parents that she is from The Palace of the Moon and wishes to return. Her parents are devastated and turn to the Emperor for help. The Emperor sends the imperial guard but they are no match for the celestial beings. She leaves behind a letter for her parents and bottle of elixir of immortality for the Emperor. Unwilling to prolong his life with out her, the Emperor sends the bottle to the top of Mount Fuji where it is set on fire.

Apologies

Life had been very busy the past few months and so things have fallen by the wayside. However I have been inspired by Sinead's post on http://www.vivaadonis.com/. Hopefully it will be the kick I need