also: きょじつひにく
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.
In art, it is often said that the delicate boundary between truth and fiction is important.
This novel skillfully expresses the subtle interplay of truth and fiction.
Standard kanji form for this yojijukugo.
Alternate reading; ひまく is more common.
From 近松門左衛門’s artistic dictum that art lies in 虚実皮膜の間, “the space between fiction and reality.” 皮膜 figuratively represents the exceedingly fine boundary separating the two.