源氏物語画帖「玉鬘」|“A Lovely Garland” (Tamakazura), from The Tale of Genji

Art Historical Context

This exquisite pair of hanging scrolls, *“A Lovely Garland”Tamakazura)* from *The Tale of Genji captures a pivotal scene from Murasaki Shikibu’s11th-century masterpiece—the world’s first novel. Created in the early 17th century during Japan’s opulent Momoyama period (1573–1615), the work features delicate figures of men and women amid elegant Heian-era architecture and gardens. Attributed to Tosa Mitsoshi, a master of the Tosa school known for its refined *yamato-e* style, and Konoe Sakihisa, the scrolls blend masterful painting with calligraphy, preserving the timeless romance and courtly intrigue of Genji’s world. Originally album leaves, these paintings were mounted as scrolls for display, a format that highlights their portability and ceremonial use in elite Japanese households. Rich ink, gold, and silver flecks on paper create a shimmering, otherworldly glow, evoking the lavish aesthetics of Momoyama art—gold leaf and mineral pigments symbolizing imperial splendor and spiritual depth. The intimate scale (images around 9½ × 8½ inches) invites close viewing, revealing intricate details like flowing robes and subtle expressions that convey emotional nuance. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Mary Griggs Burke Collection, this artwork exemplifies the enduring cultural reverence for *The Tale of Genji*. It bridges centuries, offering modern visitors a window into Japan’s literary heritage and the Tosa school’s legacy of narrative elegance.

About the Artist

Tosa Mitsuyoshi 土佐光吉|Konoe Sakihisa 近衛前久 (Japanese|Japanese) · 1539 |1536 –1613 |1612

Japanese, 1539–1613|Japanese, 1536–1612