Intro
This exhibition highlights the literary contributions of female authors in East Asia, spanning from ancient times to the present, as represented in KU’s East Asian collections. Through a diverse selection of works, the exhibition explores themes of identity, culture, and social change across different regions.
From Japan, the exhibition delves into the cultural legacy of The Tale of Genji (源氏物語), one of the world’s earliest and longest novels, authored by Murasaki Shikibu. Her work stands as a cornerstone of Japanese literature, profoundly influencing centuries of storytelling and artistic expression. This exhibition also showcases a variety of modern translations and derivative works of The Tale by renowned female authors.
From Korea, the exhibition presents contemporary literature by female authors who tackle pressing social and political issues. In recent years, Korean women writers have gained international recognition, particularly following Han Kang (한강/韓江) 's Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024.
From the Chinese collections, the exhibition showcases contemporary female authors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the global diaspora. Their works explore the complexities of Chineseness, questioning identity, culture, and language in an increasingly interconnected world.
Beyond celebrating the literary achievements of East Asian women, this exhibition also highlights the richness of KU’s East Asian collections, offering a glimpse into the dynamic voices shaping the region’s literary landscape.
