The Maidens (Otome), Illustration to Chapter 21 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Tosa Mitsunobu's The Maidens (Otome), Illustration to Chapter 21 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
The Maidens (Otome) from Tosa Mitsunobu’s Illustration to Chapter 21 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari) is a captivating example of early 16th-century Japanese yamato-e painting. Created by Mitsunobu, a leading artist of the Tosa school renowned for reviving classical Heian-period aesthetics, this work exudes an air of refined elegance. The scene portrays a delicate interaction among courtly women, framed by softly flowing robes and intricate architectural details rendered in the tsukuri-e (built-up) technique, where layered pigments create rich textures. Gold leaf accents heighten the sense of opulence, while subdued colors and flowing lines evoke the melancholic beauty central to The Tale of Genji’s themes. As a prime example of Muromachi-period narrative painting, it bridges the Heian courtly tradition and later decorative styles, embodying Japan’s literary and visual heritage.
For displaying this artwork in a home or office, consider a quiet alcove or study to mirror its intimate scale (typical of handscroll segments or album leaves). Frame it in a minimalist tokonoma-inspired niche with neutral-toned walls to accentuate its gold and earth pigments. Pair it with rough-textured natural materials—like a cedar desk or linen curtains—to contrast its refined details. In a modern setting, balance its muted palette with deep indigo or oxidized bronze accents. Given its likely small size (around 25–30 cm in height), group it with other Genji illustrations or place it alone as a focal point under soft, directional lighting to evoke the subdued glow of traditional Japanese interiors. Avoid cluttering the space; let its narrative grace command attention.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
