Illustrated Legends of Ishiyamadera (Ishiyamadera engi emaki), Scroll 4

Attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu Japanese

1497

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Found among the thirty-three miraculous stories in the Illustrated Legends of Ishiyamadera is this earliest dated image of Murasaki Shikibu looking at the moon as she begins writing her tale. She stands in profile, wearing the red sash of a religious pilgrim and pushing aside the blinds to gaze toward the dark blue waters of Lake Biwa. Toward the left, the illusory image of the moon’s reflection comes into view, floating atop the waves.

The calligraphy has been attributed to the prominent courtier Sanjōnishi Sanetaka (1455–1537).

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

References

伝土佐光信筆　三条西実隆詞書　石山寺縁起絵巻（巻第四）
Title: Illustrated Legends of Ishiyamadera (Ishiyamadera engi emaki), Scroll 4
Artist: Attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu (Japanese, active ca. 1462–1525)
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: 1497
Culture: Japan
Medium: Handscroll from a set of seven; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: Image: 13 7/16 in. × 63 ft. 2 7/8 in. (34.2 × 1927.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Lent by Ishiyamadera Temple
Curatorial Department: Asian Art