The Safflower Princess: Understanding Suetsumuhana’s Lonely Tale
When exploring the rich tapestry of Japanese literature, few works stand as tall as The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari). Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, it is often cited as the world’s first novel. While the shining Prince Genji is the protagonist, the story is populated by a vast cast of women who represent various archetypes of Heian society. Among them, one figure stands out not for her beauty or wit, but for her profound isolation and an unfortunate physical trait: Suetsumuhana, the Safflower Princess.
For cultural travelers and literary enthusiasts, understanding Suetsumuhana offers a unique glimpse into the shadows of the Heian court—a place where those who fell behind the times were left to fade away in silence.
Origins of the Safflower Lady
The character of Suetsumuhana appears in the sixth chapter of The Tale of Genji. Her nickname, which literally translates to “The Safflower” or “The flower at the tip,” is a cruel pun derived from the red dye produced by the safflower (benibana). In the story, Prince Genji, ever the romantic hunter, hears rumors of a secluded princess living in a ruined mansion. Being the daughter of the late Prince Hitachi, she is of royal blood, which piques Genji’s interest.
In the context of the Heian period (794–1185), lineage was everything. However, without a powerful father or husband to support her, a noblewoman’s status could deteriorate rapidly. Suetsumuhana represents the ochibure—the fallen aristocracy. She clings to the past, surrounded by aging servants in a decaying estate, protecting her virtue simply because she knows no other way to live.
The Legend: A Red Nose and Unwavering Loyalty
The story of Suetsumuhana is a masterful blend of comedy and pathos. Genji courts her based on her pedigree, expecting a refined beauty hidden in the shadows. Because of her extreme shyness and old-fashioned manners, she refuses to let him see her face, communicating only through intermediaries or from behind screens.
The Reveal
The pivotal moment occurs on a snowy morning. After spending the night, Genji finally catches a glimpse of her face in the daylight. He is shocked to discover that she is not a conventional beauty; she is described as having a long, pale face and, most famously, a nose that is tinged red at the tip, resembling a safflower bud. She dresses in furs that were fashionable decades prior and lacks the poetic wit that Genji prizes.
The Solitude
Despite Genji’s initial disappointment and the subsequent teasing she endures (he even composes a poem mocking her nose), Suetsumuhana’s story transforms into one of resilience. When Genji is exiled to Suma, most of his lovers move on or despair. Suetsumuhana, however, waits for him. She suffers through extreme poverty, with her mansion’s walls crumbling and foxes dwelling in the garden, yet she refuses to accept help from others, waiting faithfully for the Prince’s return. Her loneliness is total, yet her loyalty is absolute.
Modern Culture and Interpretations
In modern Japan, Suetsumuhana has transcended her role as a “comic relief” character to become a symbol of awkward sincerity.
- Manga and Anime: In adaptations like Asaki Yumemishi by Waki Yamato, Suetsumuhana is depicted with a degree of sympathy. While her physical features are often exaggerated, her innocence is highlighted as a virtue in a court filled with political scheming.
- Symbol of the “Old Fashioned”: She represents furukusai (antiquated) values. In a modern context, she is the patron saint of the socially awkward—those who do not fit in with the fast-paced trends of the current world but maintain a pure heart.
- The Safflower Connection: The flower itself, Carthamus tinctorius, remains culturally significant in Yamagata Prefecture, where it is used for traditional lipsticks (beni) and dyes, linking the character to the history of Japanese cosmetics.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Tale
If you are visiting Japan and wish to connect with the world of Suetsumuhana and the Heian era, here are some recommendations:
1. The Tale of Genji Museum (Uji City)
Located just outside Kyoto, this museum offers an immersive experience into the world of the novel. You can see life-sized recreations of Heian ox carts and furnishings, helping you visualize the “ruined mansion” Suetsumuhana might have inhabited.
2. Rozan-ji Temple (Kyoto)
This temple is located on the site of Murasaki Shikibu’s former residence. It is here that she likely wrote the chapters concerning the Safflower Princess. The temple features a beautiful garden known as the Genji Garden, which blooms with bellflowers (another Genji motif).
3. Experience Heian Costume
To understand why Suetsumuhana’s fashion was considered “outdated” by Genji, visit the Nishijin Textile Center in Kyoto. Here, you can view (and wear) the Junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono). Comparing the vibrant Heian styles to the descriptions of Suetsumuhana’s drab furs provides context to her social isolation.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the deep historical context of Japanese lineage and literature:
- The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (Translations by Royall Tyler or Arthur Waley are recommended).
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While Suetsumuhana is fictional, the imperial lineage she claims descent from is rooted in the history recorded in these ancient texts.
- The World of the Shining Prince by Ivan Morris: An excellent resource for understanding Heian court life and the aesthetic standards that made Suetsumuhana such an outcast.