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