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Murasaki Shikibu was born in Kyoto, Japan during the Heian era to a lesser branch of the Fujiwara family. Her true name is unknown: Murasaki was ostensibly taken from the main character of one of her works, and Shikibu was in reference to her father's former government position. It is speculated that her name was Fujiwara no Kaoriko.
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Murasaki Shikibu is known as the author of the world's first novel, "The Tale of Genji." She was a court lady during the Heian era (794-1185) of Japan.
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Murasaki Shikibu learned classical Chinese by listening to her brother's lessons. (Chinese was typically reserved for males at the time.) It is likely she also received education in calligraphy, Japanese literature, and music. Her education was considered unusual for women in the Heian period.
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Murasaki Shikibu married her distant cousin Fujiwara no Nobutaka in 998. Her husband already had other wives and children, and likely had multiple affairs during their marriage. Historians’ opinions differ on whether or not the marriage was happy or if Murasaki resented her husband.
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Murasaki gave birth to her daughter, whose given name was Katako, but eventually became known as the waka poet Daini no Sanmi.
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Murasaki Shikibu’s husband died from cholera. She wrote in her diary of being depressed after his death.
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Murasaki wrote the Tale of Genji sometime between 1000 and 1012. It is widely considered to be one of the world's oldest novels. The Tale of Genji made its rounds among the women of the Imperial Court and eventually was even read to the emperor.
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Murasaki Shikibu was invited by Fujiwara no Michinaga to be a lady in waiting for Empress Shoshi at the Imperial Court. It is likely she was chosen for her reputation as a well-educated writer.
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Murasaki's diary consists of poems, vignettes, and day-to-day observations of life at the Imperial Court. The diary contains pieces of autobiographical information and describes events regarding Empress Shoshi and the birth of her eldest son.
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It is mostly agreed upon by historians that Murasaki Shikibu died in 1014 in Kyoto, Japan.
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It is speculated by some historians that Murasaki Shikibu died in 1031 instead of 1014.
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