The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi (Miotsukushi), Illustration to Chapter 14 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi (Miotsukushi), Illustration to Chapter 14 of the Tale of Genji

The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi (Miotsukushi) is an illustration attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, created using ink and color on paper. 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 exemplifies the Tosa school's style, known for its delicate lines and vibrant colors, which were instrumental in the development of Japanese narrative painting. Tosa Mitsunobu, active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, was a pivotal figure in the Tosa school, serving as the official court painter. His work contributed significantly to the preservation and interpretation of classical Japanese literature through visual art. The painting's historical impact lies in its role in perpetuating the cultural and aesthetic values of the Heian period, as well as its influence on subsequent generations of Japanese artists.

"The Pilgrimage to Sumiyoshi (Miotsukushi), Illustration to Chapter 14 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an ink and color on paper artwork that exemplifies the refined aesthetics of the Japanese Yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate lines and vibrant colors. The painting depicts a scene from the classic literary work "The Tale of Genji," capturing the elegance and courtly life of the Heian period.