Tosa Collection

MURASAKI SHIKIBU (c. 978 - c. 1014). Japanese writer
MURASAKI SHIKIBU (c. 978 - c.1014). Japanese writer. Illustration of a court lady of the Heian period. Illustration of Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji), which chronicles the life of Prince Genji

GenPei War Episodes (18th c. ). Work of the Tosa
GenPei War Episodes (18th c.). Work of the Tosa school. Japanese art. Tokugawa shogunate period. ITALY. Venice. Museum of Oriental Art

The Tenjin Shrine Scrolls (one of a pair) (detail), Tosa School, 17th century (ink
5846316 The Tenjin Shrine Scrolls (one of a pair) (detail), Tosa School, 17th century (ink, colour & gofun on paper) (see also 5846317) by Japanese School

A Daisho, 17th C. ; A Katana, Omori Eishu, Circa 1400; A Katana Blade, Katsumori
1111546 A Daisho, 17th C.; A Katana, Omori Eishu, Circa 1400; A Katana Blade, Katsumori, Mid 16th C.; A Katana, Tosa Shogen Tameyasu, 17th C.; A Katana, Senshinishi Minamoto Naoyoshi Kore O Tsukuru

The Tenjin Shrine Scrolls (one of a pair) (detail), Tosa School, 17th century (ink
5846317 The Tenjin Shrine Scrolls (one of a pair) (detail), Tosa School, 17th century (ink, colour & gofun on paper) (see also 5846316) by Japanese School

Scenes from the Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari), late 18th century. Creator: Tosa School
Scenes from the Tales of Ise (Ise monogatari), late 18th century. Edo period (1615-1868)

Mistflowers (Fujibakama), late 16th-early 17th century. Creator: Tosa Mitsuyoshi
Mistflowers (Fujibakama), late 16th-early 17th century. Yugiri visits Tamakazura after the death of their grand-mother, bringing a message of condolence, a love poem, and a bouquet of mistflowers

The Oak Tree (Kashiwagi), late 16th-early 17th century. Creator: Tosa Mitsuyoshi
" The Oak Tree" (Kashiwagi), late 16th-early 17th century

Albums of scenes from The Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari gajo), early 17th century

Raiko and his Comrades before the Demon Robber, Tosa School. Creator: Japanese School
Raiko and his Comrades before the Demon Robber, Tosa School, (colour woodblock print). depicts part of the legend of the destruction of the ogre Shuten Doji by Minamoto no Yorimitsu

Young Couple on New Years Day, 18th century. Artist: Tosa Mitsuyoshi
Young Couple on New Years Day, 18th century. Found in the collection of the State A Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow

Sinners suffer in one of the hells of Buddhism. Japanese scroll, late 12th century, attributed to Tosa Mitsunaga
BUDDHISM: HELL. Sinners suffer in one of the hells of Buddhism. Japanese scroll, late 12th century, attributed to Tosa Mitsunaga

Mongol warriors sent by Kublai Khan, the emperor of China, to invade Japan, 1274
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Mongol warriors sent by Kublai Khan, the emperor of China, to invade Japan, 1274. Detail from Japanese scroll painting on paper, c1293

1848 / Porta Tosa / Milan
Fighting at the Porta Tosa, Milan. Date: 1848

FukujusAc tosa nikki shiori, FukujusAc (Adonis plant): Tosa diary bookmark. Totoya, Hokkei, 1780-1850, artist, [between 1830 and 1835], 1 print : woodcut, color; 19.8 x 18.2 cm

Tosa (Tosa Inu), dog with head in profile, close-up

Detail of a folding screen of eight sheets with episode of the Genpei Wars (1180-1185). End of the Heian Period. Tosa School 18th century. Japanese art. Edo period. Painting. ITALY. Venice

Defending Japanese warriors board a Mongol ship and engage in hand-to-hand combat during Emperor Kublai Khans second
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Defending Japanese warriors board a Mongol ship and engage in hand-to-hand combat during Emperor Kublai Khans second attempt to invade Japan in 1281

Ships of the Mongol invasion fleet are sunk during a typhoon ( kamikaze ) off the coast of Japan, 1281
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Ships of the Mongol invasion fleet are sunk during a typhoon ( kamikaze ) off the coast of Japan, 1281

Military leader Takezaki Suenaga presents the severed heads of Mongol generals at Japanese headquarters following
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Military leader Takezaki Suenaga presents the severed heads of Mongol generals at Japanese headquarters following the second unsuccessful invasion attempt (1281)

Mongol warriors stand behind thick bamboo screens used as mobile shields during a Japanese counterattack, c1274
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Mongol warriors stand behind thick bamboo screens used as mobile shields during a Japanese counterattack, c1274

Japanese cavalry under Takezaki Suenaga advance through a forest in 1274. Detail from Japanese scroll painting
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. Japanese cavalry under Takezaki Suenaga advance through a forest in 1274. Detail from Japanese scroll painting on paper, c1293, attributed to Tosa Nagataka and Tosa Nagaaki

High stone wall built by the Japanese following the first Mongol invasion (1274)
JAPAN: MONGOL INVASION. High stone wall built by the Japanese following the first Mongol invasion (1274), shown here during the second invasion (1281)

Fukujuso (Adonis plant): Tosa diary bookmark Fukujus? (Adoni
Fukujuso (Adonis plant): Tosa diary bookmark. Print shows diary and potted plant. Date between 1830 and 1835

Arashi Ryuzo I in the role of Yakko Ukiyo Matabei and otani Hiroji III in the role of Yakko Tosa no Matabei. Print shows actors Arashi Ryuzo I and Otani Hiroji III. Date ca. 1795

Cima Tosa, Monet Crozon and Fracinglo, Tyrol, Austro-Hungary. Date between ca. 1890 and ca. 1900

Revolt in Milano
The Quinta Giornata - the five-day uprising in Milano - involves serious street fighting : this is the scene at the barricades erected at the Porta Tosa

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Tosa, a name that holds a rich history and diverse artistic legacy. From the renowned Japanese writer Murasaki Shikibu to the captivating GenPei War Episodes, it has left an indelible mark on literature and art. The Tosa School, known for its exquisite ink paintings, showcased their talent in The Tenjin Shrine Scrolls. With intricate details and masterful brushstrokes, they transported viewers to another time. Their work captured not only the essence of historical events but also the beauty of nature in Mistflowers and The Oak Tree. Influenced by classic tales such as The Tales of Ise and The Tale of Genji, the Tosa School created albums filled with enchanting scenes. These delicate illustrations brought these stories to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in ancient Japan. But Tosa's influence extends beyond traditional arts; it even reaches Milan through Porta Tosa. This 1848 landmark stands as a testament to cultural exchange and serves as a reminder that art knows no boundaries. From Daisho swords crafted by Omori Eishu in the 17th century to Katana blades like Katsumori's masterpiece from circa 1400, Tosa's craftsmanship shines through weaponry too. Each blade tells a story of skillful artisans who dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. Not limited to visual arts alone, Tosa Mitsuyoshi depicted everyday life with his painting Young Couple on New Year's Day. Through his brushwork, he captured joyous moments shared during this festive occasion. Tosa is more than just a name; it represents centuries of creativity and dedication across various mediums. Whether it be literature or artistry passed down through generations or architectural landmarks connecting cultures continents apart - all bear witness to the enduring legacy throughout history.