Illustration of the Genji Monogatari (Asagao, The Blue Bell) 

This illustration by Tosa Mitsuoki, a prominent artist of the Edo period, depicts a scene from the renowned Japanese literary work, the *Genji Monogatari*, or *The Tale of Genji*. The scene, known as *Asagao*, or *The Blue Bell*, portrays a group of women in elaborate kimonos engaging in a playful snowball fight, a whimsical contrast to the somber, romantic themes of the epic tale. The artwork, a vibrant example of *yamato-e*, the Japanese painting style, showcases meticulous detail and lively brushwork, giving a glimpse into the social life and artistic sensibilities of Japan's Heian period.