The Broom Tree (Hahakigi), Illustration to Chapter 2 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Broom Tree (Hahakigi), Illustration to Chapter 2 of the Tale of Genji

The Broom Tree (Hahakigi) is an illustration attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, a prominent Japanese painter of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This work is part of a series illustrating the Tale of Genji, a classic of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. The painting employs ink and color on paper, a traditional medium that allows for delicate and expressive line work, characteristic of the Tosa school. Tosa Mitsunobu, the founder of the Tosa school, was instrumental in the development of the Yamato-e style, which focused on Japanese themes and aesthetics. His work on the Tale of Genji reflects the cultural and artistic values of the Muromachi period, emphasizing narrative and courtly elegance. The illustration of "The Broom Tree" captures the refined atmosphere and intricate social dynamics depicted in the literary work, contributing to the enduring legacy of both the novel and the Tosa school.

The painting "The Broom Tree (Hahakigi), Illustration to Chapter 2 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an exquisite example of the Yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from classical Japanese literature. This artwork illustrates a scene from the "Tale of Genji," capturing the refined courtly life of the Heian period with intricate details and elegant compositions.