Tale of Asaina (Asaina monogatari)

Tosa Mitsunobu, attributed to

Scroll of 'Tale of Asaina' (Asaina monogatari) the text accompanied by five illustrations painted in ink, colours and gold on paper; made in Japan between the 16th and mid-17th centuries. The scroll tells the story of strongman Asaina and his escapades in hell. Having defeated the strongest opponents he could find in the mortal realm, Asaina sought a new foe. After drinking heavily, he chased a group of demons into hell. The final painting in the scroll (which shows Asaina being treated to a banquet by the impressed king of hell, Emma) is thought to predate the other illustrations and has been attributed to artist Tosa Mitsunobu (1434-1525). The artist for the remaining paintings remains unknown.