The Collection
The American Wing Ancient Near Eastern Art Arms and Armor The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Asian Art The Cloisters The Costume Institute Drawings and Prints Egyptian Art European Paintings European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Greek and Roman Art Islamic Art Robert Lehman Collection The Libraries Medieval Art Musical Instruments Photographs Antonio Ratti Textile Center Modern and Contemporary Art

Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

“First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō)

Tosa Mitsuoki Japanese

17th century

Not on view

Horizontal lines painted across the surface of this pair of folding screens and actual textiles applied to each panel imitate the green slats and fabric borders of bamboo blinds. The trompe-l’oeil effect turns the viewer into a voyeur who peers through the blinds into the luxurious rooms of Genji’s Rokujō estate. In the scene from Chapter 23 (right), Genji visits the Akashi Lady’s quarters on New Year’s Day, finding her exquisite possessions and writings elegantly scattered around the room. The scene from Chapter 34 (left) shows Tamakazura introducing Genji to her handsome sons. Paintings within paintings in both screens depict auspicious motifs: chrysanthemums, paired mandarin ducks, and cranes. Together with the narrative content, they convey an ideal image of domestic harmony, filial piety, and good fortune.

“First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō), Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper; silk fabric strips, Japan — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

“First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō), Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper; silk fabric strips, Japan

“First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō), Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691), Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper; silk fabric strips, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

土佐光起筆　源氏物語図屛風　「初音」　「若菜上」

Title: “First Song of Spring” (Hatsune) and “Early Spring Greens: Part 1” (Wakana jō)

Artist: Tosa Mitsuoki (Japanese, 1617–1691)

Period: Edo period (1615–1868)

Date: 17th century

Culture: Japan

Medium: Pair of six-panel folding screens; ink, color, and gold on paper; silk fabric strips

Dimensions: each: 33 1/2 in. × 8 ft. 3 1/4 in. (85.1 × 252.1 cm)

Classification: Screens

Credit Line: Lent by Tokyo National Museum

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.