also: きょじつひにく
expression
the subtle boundary between truth and fiction in art
A yojijukugo expressing the idea that in art, truth and fiction are so closely intertwined that they become indistinguishable. Often used in literary or aesthetic contexts.
芸術においては、虚実皮膜の間が大切だとよく言われる。
In art, it is often said that the delicate boundary between truth and fiction is important.
この小説は虚実皮膜の妙を巧みに表現している。
This novel skillfully expresses the subtle interplay of truth and fiction.
A yojijukugo composed of 虚 (falsehood), 実 (truth), 皮 (skin), and 膜 (membrane), suggesting that truth and fiction are as close as skin and membrane. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is associated with traditional Japanese aesthetics.