Suma, Illustration to Chapter 12 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Editor: Here we have Tosa Mitsunobu's "Suma, Illustration to Chapter 12 of the Tale of Genji," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The rendering of space strikes me as unusual. What structural elements define the composition for you? Curator: The composition is defined by a distinct flattening of perspective, a hallmark of Yamato-e style. Note the layering of forms - the pavilion, the stylized clouds, and the boat - which create depth through vertical arrangement rather than linear perspective. Editor: The clouds almost seem to float in front of the objects they should be behind. Curator: Precisely. This deliberate ambiguity disrupts conventional spatial logic. Do you observe how the artist uses line and color to further emphasize the surface? Editor: Yes, the crisp outlines and flat color planes reinforce the flatness. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, a rigorous deployment of visual strategies.