Thoroughwort Flowers (Fujibakama), Illustration to Chapter 30 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

"Thoroughwort Flowers (Fujibakama), Illustration to Chapter 30 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" is a work by Tosa Mitsunobu, a prominent Japanese painter of the late Muromachi period, known for his contributions to the revival of traditional Japanese painting techniques. This painting illustrates a scene from the classic literary work "The Tale of Genji," highlighting the intricate relationship between nature and human emotion, and exemplifying the aesthetic values of the Heian period through its delicate composition and use of color.

"Thoroughwort Flowers (Fujibakama), Illustration to Chapter 30 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)" by Tosa Mitsunobu features a delicate arrangement of fujibakama flowers rendered in soft, muted colors, characteristic of the Edo period's attention to naturalistic detail. The composition is framed by a subtle interplay of negative space, enhancing the floral subject while reflecting the aesthetic principles of simplicity and elegance inherent in traditional Japanese art.