Butterflies (Kochō), Illustration to Chapter 24 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

"Butterflies (Kochō), Illustration to Chapter 24 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a significant work from the late Muromachi period, created in the 16th century, which illustrates a pivotal moment in the classic Japanese literary text. The painting exemplifies the Tosa school’s distinctive style, characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant colors, and serves to enhance the narrative of the Tale of Genji, reflecting the cultural and aesthetic values of the time.

The painting "Butterflies (Kochō), Illustration to Chapter 24 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu features a delicate composition characterized by the intricate depiction of butterflies amidst a lush, stylized landscape, rendered in vibrant colors and fine detail. The work exemplifies the Tosa school’s emphasis on narrative and decorative elements, employing traditional Japanese techniques to convey the ethereal beauty and transience of nature, as well as the emotional depth of the literary text it illustrates.