Chapter 31. Maki-bashira (The Cypress Pillar) / Album set of The Tale of Genji

This is a set of album that consists of pictures of 28 scenes from the first “Kiritsubo” chapter to the 36th “Kashiwagi” of The Tale of Genji. Probably it was originally composed of the whole 54 chapters.
The style of expression is of arranged from Mitsuyoshi’s: heads bigger in proportion to bodies, foreheads and cheeks round and protruding; colors in pastel shades such as pink or light blue; all creating an adorable atmosphere. Elements have been reduced, with only important motifs left, to make it easier to comprehend. Silver leaves, which aren’t used on the works with the seals of Tosa Kyuyoku, are applied to add more decorativeness compared to Mitsuyoshi’s style.
The style of this work is similar to that of the six pictures with the sign of Chojiro in ink, from The Album Set of The Tale of Genji in the collection of Kyoto National Museum, which indicates that this picture was created with the style of Chojiro after Mitsuyoshi died.