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Collections

Tosa School
Tales of Ise in two volumes1608

Not on view
Open Japanese illustrated book with calligraphy on the left page and a painted garden scene with court figures, deer, and autumn foliage on the right
Illustrated manuscript opening: left page shows ink and color painting of three courtly figures seated beneath a pine and blossoming plum tree on a green hillside, with stylized gold-flecked clouds above; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in brush ink.
Illustrated manuscript spread with ink and color on paper; left page depicts an interior court scene with four figures in layered Heian-period robes viewed from above at an oblique angle, architectural elements including sliding panels and a veranda rendered in fine line, gold-speckled borders at top and bottom; right page features vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy with a lightly sketched grass motif.
Bound manuscript spread open to two pages, densely covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on aged cream-colored paper.
Illustrated manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script on the left page, and a color illustration on the right depicting a courtier in formal robes seated on a veranda, with a blossoming red plum tree in the foreground, a pond with rocks and green hills beyond, and a gold-sprinkled sky above.
Illustrated manuscript spread with ink and color on paper; left page depicts three court figures in traditional Heian-period dress near a roofed compound with pine trees and gold-flecked foliage; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script with delicate grass motifs.
Bound manuscript spread open to two pages, densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream paper, with small decorative floral motifs scattered across the left page.
Open bound manuscript with two pages; right page densely filled with vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana script in dark ink, with small painted floral motifs in gold and brown; left page largely blank with a few lines of cursive script at lower center.
Japanese illustrated manuscript opened to two pages: left page bears vertical columns of cursive kana calligraphy with faint ink-wash botanical sketches; right page shows a color painting of a court figure in layered robes and black cap seated near a willow tree, pine, and red flowering plants beside a stream, with gold-spattered sky and green hills in the distance.
Illustrated manuscript spread with two pages: right page shows a hand-painted scene of two court figures in layered robes seated on a sandy riverbank beneath a green pine tree, with gold-flecked clouds above; left page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in brushed ink on aged paper.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page and a painted scene on the right showing a mounted figure in blue and gray robes on a red-saddled horse, accompanied by attendants in traditional court dress, set against a landscape with layered green hills, a pine tree, and gold-speckled sky.
Illustrated Japanese manuscript opened to two pages: left page shows a color illustration of three courtly figures in traditional Heian-period robes seated on red mats near a pond with irises and a wooden bridge, gold-flecked clouds above; right page bears vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script with small ink drawings of plants.
Illustrated manuscript opening: left page shows a painted scene of three figures in a rocky landscape with green hills, bare trees, and red flowering branches — one figure seated above in dark robes, one kneeling in white patterned robes at center, one seated below in red — with gold-spattered sky. Right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in brush-written kana.
Illustrated manuscript spread; left page shows a watercolor scene with a figure on horseback and two kneeling figures in courtly robes before a pine tree, green rolling hills, and a snow-capped peak against gold-speckled sky; right page bears columns of cursive Japanese kana script in brush ink.
Opening spread of a manuscript, with vertical columns of flowing Japanese kana cursive script in black ink on cream-colored paper, with small painted floral motifs in the left margin.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script (kana) on the left page and a watercolor scene on the right depicting several courtiers in layered robes aboard a boat on a blue winding river, with green rocky shores and gold-speckled sky above.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana script in black ink on aged cream paper, bound at center with visible red thread stitching.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page and two painted scenes on the right, separated by gold cloud motifs. Upper scene shows a court lady in layered robes seated beside a standing nobleman in green. Lower scene depicts armored warriors with bows and a figure holding a torch, rendered in ink and mineral pigments on paper.
Two-page spread of a bound Japanese manuscript with vertical columns of cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, with small painted grass or plant motifs scattered among the text.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script (kana) on the left page and a court scene on the right; two male figures in robes kneel outside a pavilion, a rooster perches in a willow tree above the roofline, and a reclining figure in layered garments is visible inside; gold-spattered borders at top and bottom, with flat planes of color and fine ink outlines characteristic of Yamato-e style.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript, with vertical columns of flowing kana cursive script in black ink on cream-colored paper, showing fluid brushwork throughout.
Ink manuscript on cream paper, open two-page spread with vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) in brush-written calligraphy, with faint decorative grass motifs visible on the left page.
Illustrated manuscript spread; left page shows a Heian-style court scene with a seated noblewoman in layered robes on a veranda and a standing figure in red robes below near flowering plants and a gnarled pine, rendered in ink and mineral pigments with gold-flecked borders; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script with delicate ink-wash grasses.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript with vertical columns of cursive kana calligraphy in black ink on cream paper, with small scattered gold floral decorations on the left page.
Japanese illustrated manuscript opening: left page shows two court figures in layered robes on a veranda with pine trees and gold-flecked clouds in yamato-e style; right page bears vertical columns of cursive Japanese calligraphy with faint ink landscape sketch.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana script in brush and ink on cream paper, flowing calligraphy in a continuous hand across both pages.
Two-page spread of a bound Japanese manuscript, with vertical columns of flowing kana cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with faint decorative grass or plant motifs visible beneath the text.
Open manuscript with two cream-colored pages covered in flowing Japanese kana calligraphy in black ink, with small pink floral decorations scattered on the right page.
Illustrated manuscript opening: right page shows a painted court figure in layered orange and patterned robes with long black hair, leaning over a latticed veranda railing above a garden with pine branches, gold-flecked sky above; left page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana calligraphy with delicate floral ink drawings.
Illustrated manuscript opening; left page shows a color painting of two court women in layered robes near a wooden well frame in a garden with pine trees and a stream, pink interior screens and gold-speckled clouds above; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy with a small ink branch motif.
Open manuscript with two cream-colored pages; right page densely filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana), left page with sparser calligraphy and delicate ink-and-wash branches bearing small pink blossoms.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page; on the right, a painted scene shows a figure in green court robes seated in a garden below a veranda where a woman in layered Heian-period robes sits behind a latticed screen, with gold-spattered sky above.
Illustrated manuscript opening; left page shows a bird's-eye view interior scene with two seated court women in layered robes and a standing male courtier in a garden courtyard with pine trees, rendered in flat colors with fine ink lines; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy with delicate ink-wash flowering branch motifs; gold-flecked decorative border at top.
Illustrated manuscript opening with ink and color painting on the left and Japanese cursive script on the right. The painting shows an aerial view of a Heian-period architectural complex with gold-speckled sky; a robed court figure stands below near a gate, while a woman in layered ceremonial robes reclines inside an upper chamber. Pine trees and a blossoming tree accent the composition. The facing page bears vertical columns of flowing kana calligraphy.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana calligraphy in black ink on aged cream paper, with small red seal impressions scattered throughout.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript with flowing kana script in vertical columns, brushed in black ink on cream paper, with a delicate ink painting of flowering branches at lower left.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page and a court scene on the right; a male courtier in green robes stands in a garden below a raised veranda where two women in layered Heian-period garments are seated; gold-spattered sky at top, pine and flowering shrubs in the garden.
Illustrated manuscript opening: right page shows a painted scene of two court figures in Heian-period robes seated on a wooden veranda, surrounded by flowering plum trees and gold-flecked clouds; left page bears vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana script in brush ink.
Open manuscript book with cream pages covered in vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink, bound with a narrow green and red spine.
Open manuscript book with vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy in black ink on cream paper; left page features small painted sprays of flowering grasses in gold and brown.
Open manuscript with two pages of Japanese cursive script (kana) in vertical columns, written in fluid black ink on cream paper, with faint decorative motifs visible on the left page.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page and a polychrome illustration on the right, depicting a courtyard scene with a figure in layered robes seated on a veranda and another figure below holding a parasol, surrounded by pine and plum trees; gold leaf scattered at top border.
Manuscript book opened to a two-page spread, with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in brush and ink on cream paper, with small painted floral motifs scattered across both pages.
Bound manuscript opened to a two-page spread, with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, and faint gold painted plant motifs visible on the right page.
Illustrated Japanese manuscript spread; right page shows a figure in layered court robes seated on a wooden veranda overlooking a garden with pine trees, pond, and flowering plants, with gold-flecked sky; left page filled with vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana calligraphy with small chrysanthemum decorations.
Manuscript two-page spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, with small decorative botanical illustrations in muted gold tones.
Open manuscript book with cream pages; right page dense with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink; left page sparser, with two small brushed illustrations of grasses or reeds in gold and ink, accompanied by vertical lines of kana script.
Illustrated handscroll album page with ink and color on paper; a courtier in green robes kneels on a veranda before a noblewoman in layered court dress seated inside a room, surrounded by pine trees and a stream with gold-speckled sky; columns of Japanese cursive script in ink on the facing page.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript, with vertical columns of flowing kana cursive script in black ink on aged cream paper, with faint gold-painted botanical motifs visible on the right page.
Illustrated album opening: left page features Japanese cursive calligraphy beside a faint ink sketch of reeds at water's edge; right page shows a polychrome illustration of a court figure in layered robes seated beside a winding stream beneath a spreading pine tree, with green rocky outcroppings and gold-spattered sky above.
Illustrated manuscript opening with Japanese cursive script on the left page and a painted scene on the right depicting two court figures in classical Heian-style robes kneeling near a pine tree and flowering plants beside a veranda, with gold-speckled borders framing the composition.
Manuscript page with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with a faint orange-red marking near the center fold.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript with vertical columns of flowing cursive kana script in black ink; left page features faint gold-painted floral motifs on cream paper.
Open manuscript book with two cream-colored pages covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script, written in fluid black ink brushwork.
Illustrated manuscript opening with Japanese cursive script (kana) on the left page and a court scene on the right: two kneeling figures in layered robes on a veranda, a reclining figure visible through a screen inside, with a gnarled pine tree in the foreground and gold-speckled borders.
Open book spread with multiple vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in brush-written ink on cream-colored paper, with colored page markers visible at right edge.
Open bound manuscript with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, written in flowing kana syllabary across both pages.
Illustrated manuscript spread with ink and color on paper; left page depicts two figures in Heian-period court dress separated by diagonal architectural elements—a seated male figure in black court cap above, a standing female figure in layered robes below beside a gnarled pine; gold-spattered sky; right page shows cursive Japanese calligraphy in two columns beside a lightly sketched landscape with grasses.
Open bound manuscript with two pages of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream paper, with a narrow decorative spine binding in blue-green.
Open manuscript book with multiple vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream-colored paper, spanning both pages.
Japanese illustrated manuscript spread; right page shows two courtiers in formal robes seated near a meandering stream with pine trees and green hills under a gold-flecked sky, rendered in mineral pigments with fine line work; left page filled with vertical columns of cursive hiragana calligraphy in black ink.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana script in brush and ink on cream-colored paper, with fluid, flowing brushwork throughout.
Ink on paper manuscript opening, two pages with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in fluid brushwork; left page includes faint ink sketches of a coastal landscape with grasses and small figures along a shoreline.
Japanese illustrated manuscript spread; left page bears vertical columns of cursive kana calligraphy; right page depicts two courtiers in Heian-period robes—one in red and gold, one in white—standing beside a snow-dusted bare tree at a waterside, with blue-green clouds and gold-speckled sky above.
Illustrated manuscript opening with Japanese cursive script (kana) on the left page; right page shows a color illustration of three courtiers in Heian-period dress beside a gnarled pine tree near a river, with a red torii gate and gold-leaf clouds in the background.
Two-page manuscript spread with dense vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream-colored paper, written in a fluid, connected hand throughout.
Open bound manuscript with two pages of vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with small red markings visible along the center binding.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive calligraphy on the left page and a painted scene on the right. The illustration depicts a latticed architectural interior with figures in Heian-period court dress: a standing woman in layered robes on a veranda, a kneeling figure in orange below, and a reclining figure in green and orange at lower right. Gold-leaf clouds frame a moonlit garden with pine trees and a river in the background.
Illustrated album opening; left page shows a court woman in layered Heian-period robes seated beneath a vermilion gate, flanked by cherry blossoms and pine trees, with gold-flecked clouds above; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script on cream ground with faint ink bamboo.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript, with vertical columns of cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper; faint ink painting of grasses decorates the lower left page.
Manuscript book opened to a two-page spread, with vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, showing fluid brushwork throughout.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, written in flowing sosho calligraphic style.
Bound manuscript opened to a two-page spread, filled with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream-colored paper, with fluid brushwork throughout.
Illustrated manuscript opening with ink and color painting on left page and Japanese cursive script on right. Scene shows four court figures in Heian-period robes on a wooden veranda, with a garden of pine trees and a waterfall landscape screen behind them. Gold sprinkled clouds at top; columns of flowing kana calligraphy fill the right page.
Ink manuscript on cream paper, open two-page spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in fluid brushwork, with small asterisk-like marks scattered among the text.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page; on the right, two court figures in Heian-period robes seated on a veranda, one in green and one in orange, with pine trees and a lattice garden fence below, gold-flecked sky above.
Illustrated book opening with a painted scene on the left and Japanese cursive script on the right. The painting shows three court figures in Heian-period robes on a wooden veranda, with a pine tree, flowing water, and flowering plants below, rendered in mineral pigments with gold-leaf clouds.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy in black ink on cream paper; left page includes a delicate painted branch with small gold and pale orange leaves.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in flowing brush calligraphy, black ink on aged cream paper.
Illustrated manuscript spread with cursive Japanese calligraphy on the left page and a painted scene on the right depicting six courtiers in layered Heian-period robes seated outdoors near a winding stream, with blossoming plum trees and gold-flecked sky above.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream-colored paper, written in flowing kana hand.
Illustrated manuscript opening: left page shows a Japanese painting of four court figures in Heian-period robes beside a winding stream with pine trees and gold-flecked clouds; one figure holds a red parasol. Right page bears vertical columns of cursive Japanese kana script.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with a faint ink sketch of grasses or reeds visible on the right page.
Ink on paper manuscript, two facing pages densely covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) written in fluid brushwork, with a thin red vertical line marking the center binding.
Japanese illustrated manuscript opening: left page shows a painted scene of two courtly figures in Heian-period robes standing among pine trees before a cascading waterfall, with gold-sprinkled borders; right page bears columns of cursive Japanese kana calligraphy in ink.
Ink manuscript on cream paper, open two-page spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in fluid brushwork across both pages.
Illustrated manuscript spread with ink and gold pigment; right page depicts two courtiers in layered robes standing at a riverbank watching a boat on rippling blue water, reed grasses at edges, gold-speckled sky; left page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in flowing brushwork.
Illustrated album opening with gold-flecked borders; left page shows a court figure in orange and blue robes seated inside a pavilion viewed from above in yamato-e style, with a garden of pine trees, rocks, and flowering plants beyond; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in brush ink.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of Japanese cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, written in a flowing, highly abbreviated hand.
Illustrated manuscript opening; left page shows two courtiers in Heian-period robes on an elevated veranda beside a green sudare blind, with pine trees below and gold-flecked sky; right page bears vertical columns of cursive Japanese calligraphy in kana script.
Ink on paper manuscript, two facing pages densely covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) written with fluid brushwork on cream-colored paper.
Open manuscript with two pages covered in vertical columns of fluid Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream-colored paper, with occasional small sketched marks visible.
Illustrated manuscript spread with cursive Japanese kana text on the left page and a court scene on the right; three figures in Heian-period robes seated on a veranda, with a folding screen landscape painting and pine tree in the foreground; gold-flecked borders at top and bottom.
Open manuscript book with two cream-colored pages covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in fluid black ink brushwork, with a decorative patterned border visible at far right.
Illustrated manuscript album opening; left page shows ink and color painting of four court figures in layered robes seated on a teal veranda beside a gnarled pine tree, with a folding screen and garden visible behind; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive calligraphy; gold-flecked borders frame both pages.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript with vertical columns of flowing kana cursive script in black ink on cream-colored paper.
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Illustrated manuscript spread; left page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana); right page shows a painted scene of several courtiers in layered robes gathered beside a rocky stream beneath autumn maple trees with red-orange foliage, gold-flecked sky above.
Two-page manuscript spread with vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream-colored paper, with small decorative plant motifs in gold and olive visible on the left page.
Bound manuscript open to two pages, with vertical columns of Japanese cursive script (kana) in black ink on cream paper, with faint brushed floral decoration visible on the right page.
Ink manuscript on cream paper, two facing pages densely covered in vertical columns of flowing Japanese cursive script (kana), written in black ink with fluid brushwork.
Two-page spread of a bound manuscript with columns of Japanese cursive kana script in black ink on cream paper, written in flowing sosho-style calligraphy.
Illustrated manuscript spread with ink and color on paper; left page depicts two court figures in layered robes within an architectural interior shown in bird's-eye view, with latticed screens, a garden with pine trees, and a stream beyond; gold-flecked borders frame the scene; right page bears vertical columns of Japanese cursive script with lightly sketched grasses.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript on cream paper, with vertical columns of flowing cursive kana script in black ink throughout both pages.
Photograph of an open manuscript book with cream-colored pages, covered in flowing Japanese cursive script (kana) written in black ink, arranged in vertical columns reading right to left.
Illustrated manuscript spread with Japanese cursive script on the left page and a painted scene on the right showing two court figures in an interior, one reclining in orange robes and one seated in red, within a raised architectural setting rendered in green, blue, and gold with scattered gold-leaf clouds above.
Two-page spread of a Japanese manuscript with vertical columns of flowing kana cursive script in black ink on cream paper, with small sprigs of dried grass or grain pasted at intervals in the right page.
Open manuscript book with two cream-colored pages covered in vertical columns of Japanese cursive script in black ink, with faint gold-pigmented decorative markings visible on the left page.
Artist or Maker
Tosa School
Title
Tales of Ise in two volumes
Place Made
Japan
Date Made
1608
Period
Edo period (1603 - 1868)
Medium
Two-volume album; ink, color, and gold on paper, brocade covers; volume 1: 24 painted images; volume 2: 22 painted images
Dimensions
Each image: 9 5/16 x 6 3/4 in. (23.6 x 17.2 cm); Each overall: 9 3/8 x 6 3/4 x 3/8 in. (23.7 x 17.2 x 1.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Bella Mabury
Accession Number
M.39.2.379a-b
Classification
Books
Collecting Area
Japanese Art