The Picture Contest (Eawase), Illustration to Chapter 17 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Picture Contest (Eawase), Illustration to Chapter 17 of the Tale of Genji

The Picture Contest (Eawase) is an illustration attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, a prominent Japanese painter known for his contributions to the Tosa school of painting. This work is an interpretation of Chapter 17 from the classic Japanese literary work, The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. The painting employs ink and color on paper, a traditional medium that highlights the delicate and refined aesthetic characteristic of the Tosa school. Tosa Mitsunobu, active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, played a significant role in the development of Japanese narrative painting, particularly in the depiction of courtly life and literature. His work is noted for its intricate detail and adherence to classical themes, which helped preserve and promote Japanese cultural heritage. The illustration of The Tale of Genji by Mitsunobu not only reflects the artistic conventions of the period but also serves as a visual representation of one of Japan's most revered literary masterpieces.

"The Picture Contest (Eawase), Illustration to Chapter 17 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 the classic literary work, "The Tale of Genji." This artwork captures the elegance and courtly life of the Heian period, reflecting the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the time.