The Law (Minori), Illustration to Chapter 40 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:
Movement:
unknown
None
key Notes:
Courtly elegance, Narrative illustration.
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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 Law (Minori), Illustration to Chapter 40 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a significant work from the late Muromachi period, created in the 16th century, which illustrates a pivotal moment in Murasaki Shikibu's classic narrative. This painting exemplifies the Tosa school's distinctive style, characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant colors, and reflects the cultural and aesthetic values of the Heian period, as well as the continued influence of the Tale of Genji in Japanese art and literature.

Description of the work:

"The Law (Minori), Illustration to Chapter 40 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu is characterized by its intricate composition and vibrant color palette, typical of the Edo period's Yamato-e style. The painting features elegantly rendered figures and detailed landscapes, employing a delicate use of line and pattern to convey the narrative's emotional depth and cultural context.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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The Law (Minori), Illustration to Chapter 40 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)