The Eastern Cottage (Azumaya), Illustration to Chapter 50 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

"Japanese aesthetics" and "literary illustration."

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:

"The Eastern Cottage (Azumaya), Illustration to Chapter 50 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" is a significant work by Tosa Mitsunobu, created during the late Muromachi period in Japan, which reflects the cultural and aesthetic values of the time. This painting illustrates a pivotal moment in the classic literary work "The Tale of Genji," showcasing the intricate relationship between visual art and narrative literature in the Heian period, while also exemplifying the Tosa school's distinctive style characterized by its delicate brushwork and vibrant colors.

Description of the work:

"The Eastern Cottage (Azumaya), Illustration to Chapter 50 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu is characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant color palette, typical of the Edo period's Yamato-e style. The composition features a serene landscape with a traditional Japanese cottage set against a backdrop of lush foliage, embodying the aesthetic principles of harmony and nature prevalent in the narrative of the Tale of Genji.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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