土佐光吉筆　源氏物語図色紙　「藤袴」|“Mistflowers”

Tosa Mitsuyoshi

late 16th–early 17th century · Album leaf mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color and gold on paper · Asian Art

In Chapter 30, “Mistflowers,” Yūgiri visits Tamakazura after the death of their grand-mother. Yūgiri has learned that Tamakazura is not his sister but his cousin, thus opening up the possibility of courtship. He brings a message of condolence and a love poem, along with a bouquet of mistflowers. As Tamakazura has honed her skills in fending off Genji’s advances, she artfully sidesteps Yūgiri’s as well. This moment is portrayed with Mitsuyoshi’s typical refined delicacy.

Artist

Tosa Mitsuyoshi

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Album leaf mounted as a hanging scroll; ink, color and gold on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Mary Griggs Burke Collection, Gift of the Mary and Jackson Burke Foundation, 2015