Page "Murasaki Shikibu" Paragraph 14

Murasaki is best known for her The Tale of Genji, a three-part novel spanning 1100 pages and 54 chapters, that is thought to have taken a decade to complete.

The earliest chapters were possibly written for a private patron either during her marriage or shortly after her husband's death.

She continued writing while at court and probably finished while still in service to Shôshi.

She would have needed patronage to produce a work of such length.

Michinaga provided her with costly paper and ink, and with calligraphers.

The first handwritten volumes were probably assembled and bound by ladies-in-waiting.