Tale of the Rat (Nezumi zōshi emaki)

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

Narrative scroll, Animal allegory.

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:

"Tale of the Rat (Nezumi zōshi emaki)" is a narrative handscroll created by Tosa Mitsunobu in the late 15th century, illustrating a story that reflects the cultural significance of rats in Japanese folklore. The work is notable for its intricate brushwork and vibrant colors, which exemplify the Tosa school’s emphasis on narrative clarity and decorative detail, contributing to the understanding of Edo-period visual storytelling.

Description of the work:

"Tale of the Rat (Nezumi zōshi emaki)" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a handscroll painting that exemplifies the Edo period's narrative style, characterized by its intricate brushwork and vibrant color palette. The composition features a series of vignettes that depict the life and adventures of a rat, rendered with meticulous attention to detail and a dynamic interplay of figures and landscapes, reflecting the artist's mastery of traditional Japanese painting techniques.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.