The Tendril Wreath (Tamakazura), Illustration to Chapter 22 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Tendril Wreath (Tamakazura), Illustration to Chapter 22 of the Tale of Genji

The Tendril Wreath (Tamakazura) 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 known for his refined and elegant style, which is evident in this illustration. The Tosa school played a significant role in the development of Japanese painting, particularly in the realm of narrative handscrolls. This work not only reflects the aesthetic values of the Muromachi period but also contributes to the enduring legacy of the Tale of Genji in Japanese art and culture.

The painting "The Tendril Wreath (Tamakazura), Illustration to Chapter 22 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is a classic example of the Yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from Japanese literature. This artwork illustrates a scene from the "Tale of Genji," capturing the refined aesthetics and narrative depth of the Heian period.