A medieval short story, re-told in elegant calligraphy and glittering images, the Tale of Tawara Tōda offers an engaging insight into Japan’s storytelling traditions. These three painted handscrolls document the exploits of the tenth-century warrior Tawara Tōda Hidesato (Fujiwara no Hidesato), whose tale of daring deeds blends history and legend, with an added dash of romance. Whether dispatching a giant centipede or defeating a nefarious rebel, our brave hero faces down his enemies with grace and cunning, to be richly rewarded with treasures untold. This in-focus exhibition followed a three-year programme of conservation undertaken by conservators at Restorient Studio, Leiden, which was generously supported by Japan’s Sumitomo Foundation.

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