源氏物語画帖|The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari)
17th century
Medium
Set of twenty-four album leaves; ink, color, and gold on paper
Dimensions
10 3/8 x 9 1/4 in. (26.3 x 23.5 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mary L. Cassilly, 1894
Accession Number
94.18.1a–xx
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite set of twenty-four album leaves illustrates episodes from *The Tale ofji* (*Genji Monogatari the 11th-century masterpiece by Murasaki Shikibu often hailed as the world's first novel Created in the 17th century during Japan's Edo period (16151868), the work is attributed to Shōren'in Sonjuninnō and Tosausada, members of the prestigious Tosa school. Known for their refined Yamato-e style— by vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and gold-flecked backgrounds—these paintings capture intimate scenes of courtly life, featuring elegant women, men, and traditional houses amid romantic int...
About the Artist
Shōren'in Sonjun Shinnō|Tosa Mitsusada (Japanese|Japanese) · 1581 |1738 –1653 |1806
Japanese, 1581–1653|Japanese, 1738–1806