Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A collection of six exquisite vertical gilt-ground paper panels depicting narrative scenes from classical Japanese literature, most likely 'The Tale of Genji' (Genji Monogatari). Painted in the traditional Yamato-e style, they feature the characteristic 'blown-away roof' (fukinuki yatai) perspective and stylized 'line-eye, hook-nose' (hikime kagirohi) facial features.
Story
Dating to Japan's Edo period, these panels bring to life the romantic intrigues of the 11th-century imperial court. They were designed to transport the viewer into a world of poetic longing, secret trysts, and seasonal ceremonies. The heavy use of gold leaf served a practical purpose: reflecting dim candlelight in dark castle rooms.
Maker / Origin
The Tosa School was the official painting academy of the Japanese imperial court for centuries. Known for preserving the classical Yamato-e style, Tosa artists specialized in precise, miniature-like brushwork, vibrant mineral pigments, and extensive gold leafing, illustrating literary classics with deep historical fidelity.
Condition & Value
The panels show signs of age-appropriate wear, including minor creasing, surface dirt, and slight pigment flaking, which is typical for Edo-period works on paper. The gold leaf remains remarkably bright, though there is some wear along the panel edges where they may have been removed from a screen frame.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.