Japan.- Anonymous. The Tale of the Hut in the Rocks (Iwaya monogatari), three handscrolls (emakimono), ink, colour and gold on prepared paper, complete, first scroll with calligraphy and 6 illustrations, approx. 175 x 11500 mm (7 x 452 in), second with calligraphy and four illustrations, 175 x 12500 mm (7 x 492 in), third scroll with calligraphy and six illustrations, 175 x 17600 mm (7 x 692 in), gold leaf end papers, blue and gold brocade wrappers, title slip, coloured cloisonné enamel scroll ends, fitted wood storage box inscribed Iwaya monogatari sankan (The Tale of the Hut in the Rocks, three volumes), Edo period, 17th century*** Three beautifully painted scrolls in the Yamato-e (narrative) style. The calligraphy is in the Shosho or running style. They are painted on gold flekced paper with gold background decoration of leaves and flowers in the Koetsu style. The tale follows the hardships endured by the beautiful Tainoya who is cast away by her hateful stepmother on a rock off the coast of Awaji island. Rescued by a fisherman, she is able to return to her father at court and is recognised as the fairest lady of the land after numerous trials by the palace ladies.