“The Woman with Bruises” from Diseases and Deformities

Birthmarks, a common phenomenon, are barely an inconvenience if easily hidden from view. However, when they appear on the face, they may hinder social interaction. In this work, a lavishly dressed woman looks miserable as she studies the bruises on her face. The artist’s skillful depiction of the subject’s facial features and the design of her clothes closely resemble those of the Hell Scroll (Jigoku-zōshi; National Treasure, Tokyo National Museum) and the Stories of Hungry Ghosts (Gaki-zōshi; National Treasure, Kyoto National Museum). As the latter two works are attributed to Tokiwa Mitsunaga, a court painter who worked under Retired Emperor Goshirakawa (1127–92) in the late 12th century, it is likely that this work was produced around the same time, with input from either Goshirakawa or Mitsunaga. This masterpiece is a fine example of painting from the Heian period (794–1185).

— Museum description: Kyushu National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.