The Flute (Yokobue), Illustration to Chapter 37 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Flute (Yokobue), Illustration to Chapter 37 of the Tale of Genji

The Flute (Yokobue) 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 brushwork. Tosa Mitsunobu, the founder of the Tosa school, was instrumental in developing a style that combined elements of Yamato-e, a classical Japanese painting style, with the more detailed and narrative-driven approach of the Kano school. His work on the Tale of Genji reflects the cultural and aesthetic values of the Muromachi period, emphasizing elegance and courtly refinement. The illustration of Chapter 37, "The Flute," captures the emotional depth and intricate social dynamics that are central to the narrative of the Tale of Genji.

"The Flute (Yokobue), Illustration to Chapter 37 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an exquisite example of Japanese yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from classical literature. The artwork illustrates a poignant moment from the "Tale of Genji," capturing the refined aesthetics and narrative depth of the Heian period.