Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a magnificent set of eight Japanese painted panels depicting scenes from the 11th-century literary masterpiece, 'The Tale of Genji'. Rendered in the classical Yamato-e style, they feature the characteristic 'blown-away roof' (fukinuki yatai) perspective and are lavishly decorated with gold leaf clouds (suyari-gumi).
Story
Written by noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 1000s, this story is widely considered the world's first novel. These panels brought its romantic court intrigues to life for wealthy Edo-period merchants and aristocrats.
Maker / Origin
The Tosa School of painting was the official keeper of the classical Japanese style (Yamato-e) for centuries, holding prestigious positions as court painters.
Condition & Value
The panels show typical signs of age, including minor creasing, paint flaking, and oxidation of the gold leaf. However, the narrative scenes remain remarkably legible and the mineral pigments retain impressive vibrancy. Professional conservation to stabilize any loose paint would preserve and potentially enhance their value.
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.