Exhibition
The Valiant Adventures of Tawara Tōda
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.
Handscrolls of Tale of Tawara Tōda (Tawara Tōda monogatari)
mid 17th century
Japan
CBL J 1164.1-3

Tale of Tawara Tōda
mid 17th century
Japan
CBL J 1164

Tale of Tawara Tōda, on display
mid 17th century
Japan
CBL J 1164

Tale of Tawara Tōda
mid 17th century
Japan
CBL J 1164
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.
Supported by