Portrait of Toba Sōjō

The 1 Most Famous Toba Sōjō Paintings, a Gallery Selection

Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 1 works by Toba Sōjō in our catalogue

In short

Of all the originals Toba Sōjō left, the most famous is Untitled (D2XA3J) (301), in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Our catalog holds 1 works by Toba Sōjō; the gallery has kept the 1 the world admires most, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.

1053 – 1140, Toba Most works: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Toba Sōjō's top 10 paintings: the gallery's choice

1
Untitled (D2XA3J) (301) by Toba Sōjō

Untitled (D2XA3J)

301 · Ink · Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The vertical composition centers on a single figure rendered in a stylized manner. The subject is depicted in three-quarter view, dressed in robes that resemble those of a monk. He stands upon a thin carpet and holds an incense burner. The garments are defined by precise, controlled lines that trace the folds of the fabric and the contours of the form. The facial features are rendered with a sense of…

The museums that keep Toba Sōjō's originals

The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Toba Sōjō Paintings from this list
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkMetropolitan Museum of Art New York 1 Untitled (D2XA3J)

Collectors' questions about Toba Sōjō's paintings

Which work is Toba Sōjō most famous for?Reveal the answer

Untitled (D2XA3J) (301).

How many paintings did Toba Sōjō leave?Reveal the answer

Our catalog holds 1 works by Toba Sōjō.

In which museums do Toba Sōjō's masterpieces hang?Reveal the answer

Mostly in Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York). The museum table above lists them all.

Toba Sōjō: life and work

early life and spiritual pursuits

toba sōjō, also known as kakuyū, was a japanese artist-monk born in 1053, son of minamoto no takakuni. he became a high priest of tendai buddhism and ascended to the position of the 48th zasu (head priest) of the tendai sect in 1138.

artistic contributions

toba sōjō is renowned for his works in both buddhist art and satirical cartoon. a confirmed example of his work includes fudōmyō'ō-ritsuzō at daigo-ji, an important cultural property of japan, showcasing his mastery over diverse artistic mediums.

notable works and collections

artistic movement and influence

toba sōjō's style, characterized by its use of gold leaf and bold colors, is reflective of the the kanō school style art movement, which dominated japanese painting for several centuries. his influence can still be seen in many modern japanese paintings, which continue to draw on the traditions and techniques developed by the kanō school.

legacy

toba sōjō's legacy extends beyond his art, as he played a significant role in shaping the tendai sect. his life serves as an exemplary model of devotion, creativity, and spiritual leadership.

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