The Tale of Usugumo c. 18th century

toned paper

water colours

japan

handmade artwork painting

tile art

coloured pencil

underpainting

painting painterly

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"The Tale of Usugumo" is a handscroll by the renowned Japanese artist Miyagawa Chōshun (1683-1753). The scroll depicts a scene from a popular Japanese folktale, likely in a theatrical setting, with a group of figures conversing and interacting within a richly detailed interior space. This captivating work showcases Chōshun's mastery of color and detail, drawing viewers into the world of the tale with its evocative imagery.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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The Tale of Usugumo follows a young nobleman from the northern province of Mutsu who paid frequent visits to the courtesan Usugumo in the New Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. The tale was not disseminated broadly; this handscroll is the only known extant copy. According to the postscript, the scroll once included a note and signature by the courtesan Usugumo herself, hinting at a close connection between her and the scroll owner of the scroll. This handscroll has led a life of its own, encapsulated in its current appearance. The work was significantly damaged in a fire, which resulted in the loss of about one third of the tale’s text and illustrations. The burnt scroll was remounted on a handscroll and decorated with gold flecks.