This “mezuru”, this sense of affinity and affection, is fundamental to Biohistory. And it is expressed very well within ancient literature as “The Princess Who Loved Insects” (Mushi Mezuru Himegimi), a short story that appears within Tales of the Riverside Middle Counselor (Tsutsumi Chūnagon Monogatari), written near the beginning of 11th century. Despite her elevated rank, a young princess spends her time observing the living things around her, learning their nature out of what we recognized today as a spirit of scientific inquiry.
Following a style often employed in the Edo Era (1603-1867), we illustrate this story with a six-paneled folding screen. The elements of each correspond to research currently underway at the BRH. Check out the illustrations and embedded videos. You too can become a princess – or prince – who loves insects.
“Mezuru” is an ancient word with assorted meanings. At the BRH, we use it to mean “a sense of affinity and affection for life that arises over time through observing living creatures.