Tosa school

The Tosa school (土佐派, Tosa-ha) of Japanese painting was founded in the early Muromachi period (14th–15th centuries),^[1] and was devoted to yamato-e, paintings specializing in subject matter and techniques derived from ancient Japanese art, as opposed to schools influenced by Chinese art, notably the Kanō school (狩野派). Tosa school paintings are characterised by "areas of flat opaque colour enclosed by simple outlines, where drawing is precise and conventional", with many narrative subjects from Japanese literature and history. However, by the 17th century both Tosa and Kanō artists broadened their range, and the distinction between these and other schools became less clear.^[2]

The origins of this school of painting can be traced to Tosa Yukihiro (土佐行広) (fl. first half 15th century),^[3] who first used the professional name of Tosa, though unverified claims to earlier origins were made later by Mitsunobu (1434?–?1525) who formally founded the school. Mitsunobu served as the official painter (edokoro-azukari) at the imperial court, specializing in courtly subjects painted in the yamato-e (やまと絵) style.

The Tosa school under Mitsunobu retained the position of (edokoro azukari (絵所領, "head of the Imperial painting bureau")) for three generations, until 1569, and regained the post 1634 under Mitsunori (See #History below). Until the 17th century, the Tosa school painted for the court and aristocratic patrons, which favored such painting subjects as scenes from the classic Tale of Genji (源氏絵), but in later years, the school's range expanded to include bird-and-flower painting and other Chinese-inspired themes and styles. In general, the Tosa style is characterized by rather flat, decorative compositions, fine linework, great attention to detail, and brilliant color.