The Cressets (Kagaribi), Illustration to Chapter 27 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Cressets (Kagaribi), Illustration to Chapter 27 of the Tale of Genji

The Cressets (Kagaribi) is an illustration by Tosa Mitsunobu, created using ink and color on paper. 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 exemplifies the Tosa school's style, known for its delicate lines and vibrant colors, which were instrumental in the development of Japanese narrative painting. Tosa Mitsunobu, active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, was a pivotal figure in the Tosa school, serving as a court painter and contributing to the preservation and evolution of traditional Japanese art forms. His work on the Tale of Genji reflects both the cultural significance of the text and the artistic conventions of the Muromachi period. The illustration captures the aesthetic and emotional nuances of the narrative, showcasing Mitsunobu's skill in conveying complex themes through visual art.

"The Cressets (Kagaribi), Illustration to Chapter 27 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an ink and color on paper artwork that exemplifies the traditional Japanese yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate lines and vibrant colors. The painting illustrates a scene from the classic literary work "The Tale of Genji," capturing the refined court life of the Heian period with meticulous attention to detail and composition.