The collection of essays ¡°Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness)¡± written by Yoshida Kenko in 1330-31 is considered as one of the three greatest zuihitsu (collection of writings) in Japan, along with ¡°Makura no Soshi (The Pillow book)¡± by Sei Shonagon and Kamo no Chomei¡¯s ¡°Hojoki (An Account of My Hut).¡± However, it was not until the Keicho Era (1596-1615) that ¡°Tsurezuregusa¡± first became critically acclaimed and not until the Edo Period (1603-1867) when it was widely read and studied. During this time it also became the subject of artworks known as tsurezure-e.

Various types of tsurezure-e, including picture scrolls, folding screens and picture books, are on display for an exhibition that presents visitors with a pictorial experience of one of Japan¡¯s greatest literary works. Some of the artworks will change during the exhibition period; June 11-July 21.

Suntory Museum of Art; Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku,Tokyo. Roppongi Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri., Sat. till 8 p.m.) ?1,300. Closed Tue. 03-3479-8600;