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

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

"Elegant narrative" and "Japanese classical aesthetics."

Dimensions:

24.2 cm x W. 17.9 cm (9 1/2 x 7 1/16 in.)

medium:

Ink and color on paper

Difficulty:

Master

New game

story of the work:

"At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" is a significant work by Tosa Mitsunobu, created during the Muromachi period in Japan, which illustrates a pivotal moment in the classic literary narrative of the Tale of Genji, authored by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. This painting exemplifies the Tosa school’s distinctive style, characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant colors, and reflects the cultural and aesthetic values of the Heian period, emphasizing the interplay between literature and visual art in Japanese history.

Description of the work:

The painting "At the Pass (Sekiya), Illustration to Chapter 16 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu features a delicate composition characterized by its intricate line work and vibrant color palette, typical of the Tosa school. The scene captures a moment of emotional resonance, with figures rendered in a stylized manner, set against a backdrop that emphasizes the natural landscape, reflecting the narrative's themes of longing and transience.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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