A Waste of Weeds (Yomogiu), Illustration to Chapter 15 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

A Waste of Weeds (Yomogiu), Illustration to Chapter 15 of the Tale of Genji

The painting titled A Waste of Weeds (Yomogiu), Illustration to Chapter 15 of the Tale of Genji is attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, a prominent Japanese painter of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Created using ink and color on paper, this work exemplifies the refined aesthetic and narrative depth characteristic of the Tosa school, which Mitsunobu founded. The Tosa school was known for its detailed and delicate approach to yamato-e, a classical Japanese painting style that often depicted scenes from literature and history. This particular illustration is part of a larger series based on the Tale of Genji, a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. Mitsunobu's work is significant for its contribution to the preservation and visual interpretation of this literary masterpiece, influencing subsequent generations of artists. His legacy is marked by the synthesis of traditional Japanese themes with the precision and elegance that defined the Tosa school.

The painting "A Waste of Weeds (Yomogiu), Illustration to Chapter 15 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an exquisite example of the Yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from classical Japanese literature. This artwork illustrates a poignant moment from the "Tale of Genji," capturing the refined aesthetics and narrative depth typical of the Heian period.