The Ivy (Yadorigi), Illustration to Chapter 49 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) c. 1509 - 1510

Editor: This is an illustration by Tosa Mitsunobu, titled "The Ivy (Yadorigi)," created as part of the Tale of Genji. The composition is so striking, with its angular perspective and flattened planes. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I observe a sophisticated manipulation of space. Note the diagonal thrust of the architecture against the figure, and how the gold leaf disrupts any sense of unified perspective. Editor: So, it's about the tension between these pictorial elements? Curator: Precisely. The artist draws our attention to the formal structure and materiality, rather than a straightforward depiction of narrative. Editor: That's fascinating; I hadn’t considered the gold leaf as a disruptive element before. Thanks for the insight! Curator: A close reading of the visual syntax reveals deeper meanings. It’s all about looking closely.