A Drifting Boat (Ukifune), Illustration to Chapter 51 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:
Movement:
unknown
None
key Notes:
Heian courtly elegance, narrative illustration
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Dimensions:
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 in. (64.1 x 79.4 cm)
medium:
Ink, color, and gold on paper
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"A Drifting Boat (Ukifune)," an illustration by Tosa Mitsunobu, is part of a series depicting scenes from the "Tale of Genji," a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. Mitsunobu, a prominent figure in the Tosa school of painting during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, is known for his refined and detailed yamato-e style, which effectively captures the emotional depth and narrative complexity of the literary source.

Description of the work:

"A Drifting Boat (Ukifune)," an illustration by Tosa Mitsunobu, exemplifies the Yamato-e style with its delicate use of color and intricate detailing. The composition features elegantly rendered figures within a boat, set against a backdrop of stylized waves and a serene landscape, capturing the narrative essence of Chapter 51 from the "Tale of Genji."

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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A Drifting Boat (Ukifune), Illustration to Chapter 51 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)