Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari)

18th century

Not on view

The Tales of Ise (Ise Monogatari) is a tenth-century collection of some 125 brief tales in which poems are the central element. Together with the Kokinshū, the first imperial compilation of poetry (ca. 905), it was a requisite part of a literate person's education for over eight centuries until the modern ear. Sumptuously illustrated manuscripts such as this set of three books would have been a prized part of a dowry and a proud possession of an upper-class family. In this example, forty-nine jewel-like miniatures rendered in brilliant mineral colors and framed in stylized cloud bands of sprinkled gold foil follow widely used conventions of the Tosa-school artists.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Three illustrated books; ink, color, and gold on paper
Dimensions: (a): 9 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 1/2 in. (23.5 x 17.1 x 1.3 cm)
(b): 9 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 1/4 in. (23.5 x 17.1 x 0.6 cm)
(c): 9 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 1/4 in. (23.5 x 17.1 x 0.6 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
Object Number: 21.174.2a–d
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
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