Artwork

『春雨集』摺物帖柳々居辰斎画紅梅|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1: Plum Tree in Bloom

『春雨集』摺物帖柳々居辰斎画紅梅|Spring Rain Collection (Harusame shū), vol. 1: Plum Tree in Bloom is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Ryūryūkyo Shinsai. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print is part of the 'Spring Rain Collection' (Harusame shū), a privately published album created around 1808 by Ryūryūkyo Shinsai. It is currently held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a single branch of a plum tree laden with bright red blossoms, accompanied by vertical columns of Japanese writing on the left side. The composition balances natural imagery with text, potentially conveying a poetic or symbolic message.

Technique & Style

The artist employed quick, sharp strokes to capture the texture of the branches and leaves. The use of dark, twisting lines and bold red flowers against a pale background creates a striking visual contrast, with the flowers appearing to glow.