At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji

The painting "At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a significant work in the realm of Japanese art, created using ink and color on paper. Tosa Mitsunobu, active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, was a pivotal figure in the Tosa school, which specialized in yamato-e, a classical Japanese painting style. This particular illustration is part of a larger tradition of visual interpretations of "The Tale of Genji," a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. Mitsunobu's work is noted for its delicate brushwork and attention to detail, capturing the nuanced emotions and settings described in the literary source. The painting exemplifies the Tosa school's emphasis on narrative clarity and refined aesthetics, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Japanese cultural heritage. Through such works, Mitsunobu played a crucial role in the continuation and evolution of traditional Japanese painting techniques.

The painting "At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu employs ink and color on paper to depict a scene from the classic Japanese literary work, "The Tale of Genji," showcasing the refined and delicate style characteristic of the Tosa school. This artwork exemplifies the traditional Japanese narrative painting technique, emphasizing elegant line work and subtle color application to convey the emotional depth of the story.