The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi), Illustration to Chapter 36 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi), Illustration to Chapter 36 of the Tale of Genji

The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi) 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 series reflects the cultural and aesthetic values of the Muromachi period, emphasizing elegance and courtly refinement. The illustration of Chapter 36, "Kashiwagi," captures the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative, contributing to the enduring legacy of both the artist and the literary work.

"The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi), Illustration to Chapter 36 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a classic example of Japanese yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from the Heian period literary work, "The Tale of Genji." The artwork captures the intricate courtly life and emotional depth of the narrative, reflecting the aesthetic values of the Muromachi period in Japan.