Narihira Seeing Snow on Mount Fuji (Episode 9) from the "Tales of Ise" (Ise monogatari) Late 16th to early 17th century

Curator: This painting by an artist of the Tosa School depicts Narihira Seeing Snow on Mount Fuji, from the famous "Tales of Ise." Editor: It feels dreamlike, doesn’t it? The mountain looms, rendered with such soft, almost edible colors, and everything feels suspended in a hazy memory. Curator: The "Tales of Ise" was influential in shaping cultural and artistic tastes of the courtly elite, with episodes like this becoming popular subjects for screen paintings and illustrated books. Editor: There's a sense of wistful detachment from reality. Like Narihira isn't just witnessing the snow; he's experiencing it in a way that pulls him outside himself. Curator: The tale underscores the intersection of travel, poetry, and aesthetic sensibility in classical Japanese culture. It highlights the importance of experiencing the natural world. Editor: Looking at this, you get the feeling that the journey itself is the destination. Curator: Indeed. This small painting offers a glimpse into the power of narratives and images to shape cultural identity. Editor: Well, I’m certainly ready for a journey now—preferably one on horseback!