Red Plum Blossoms (Kōbai), Illustration to Chapter 43 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

"Red Plum Blossoms (Kōbai), Illustration to Chapter 43 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" is a significant work by Tosa Mitsunobu, created in the early 17th century during the Edo period, reflecting the artist's mastery of traditional Japanese painting techniques and his role in the revival of the Tosa school. This painting illustrates a pivotal moment in the classic literary work "The Tale of Genji," emphasizing the interplay between nature and human emotion, and it exemplifies the integration of text and image in Japanese art.

"Red Plum Blossoms (Kōbai), Illustration to Chapter 43 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu features a delicate composition characterized by the vibrant red hues of plum blossoms set against a subtle, muted background. The painting exemplifies the Tosa school’s meticulous attention to detail and use of traditional Japanese pigments, highlighting the intricate brushwork that conveys both the beauty of the blossoms and the ethereal quality of the narrative context.