The Plum Tree Branch (Umegae), Illustration to Chapter 32 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

Tosa Mitsunobu

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

"Delicate Nature Imagery" and "Literary Illustration"

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 Plum Tree Branch (Umegae), Illustration to Chapter 32 of the Tale of Genji" is a work by Tosa Mitsunobu, created in the late 16th century during the Muromachi period in Japan. This painting exemplifies the Tosa school’s distinctive style, characterized by its intricate detail and vibrant colors, and serves as a visual interpretation of the literary themes found in Murasaki Shikibu's classic work, "The Tale of Genji," reflecting the cultural significance of the Heian period's aesthetics and narrative traditions.

Description of the work:

"The Plum Tree Branch (Umegae), Illustration to Chapter 32 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu features a delicate composition that highlights a plum tree branch adorned with blossoms, rendered in a refined palette of soft pinks and greens against a muted background. The painting exemplifies the Tosa school’s characteristic attention to detail and use of traditional Japanese ink and color techniques, effectively conveying the seasonal theme and emotional resonance inherent in the narrative of the Tale of Genji.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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