Artwork

武勇雪月花之内ゑびらの梅|Plum Blossoms in the Forrest of Ikuta, from the series Bravery-Beauty of the four seasons (Buyū setsugekka no uchi-Ikuta no mori, Ebira no ume)

武勇雪月花之内ゑびらの梅|Plum Blossoms in the Forrest of Ikuta, from the series Bravery-Beauty of the four seasons (Buyū setsugekka no uchi-Ikuta no mori, Ebira no ume) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Yoshitoshi. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1867 by the prolific ukiyo‑e master Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, this work is a three‑panel woodblock print titled “Plum Blossoms in the Forest of Ikuta.” It forms part of the series “Bravery‑Beauty of the Four Seasons,” and is presently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The triptych depicts a dramatic encounter among three samurai within a dense, shadowy forest. A mounted warrior brandishes a sword while controlling his horse, and two foot soldiers clash, one of whom is shown falling. The inclusion of plum blossoms and the forest setting evokes seasonal symbolism and the fleeting nature of martial valor.

Technique & Style

Executed with ink and vivid pigments on paper, Yoshitosi employs the traditional multi‑block carving method to achieve sharp outlines and rich coloration. The composition balances dark, atmospheric backgrounds with bright, patterned armor, creating a dynamic sense of motion that guides the eye across the three panels.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during the late Edo period, a time when Yoshitoshi’s work often combined historical narrative with theatrical flair. After its original circulation as a popular print, it entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, where it remains a representative example of mid‑19th‑century Japanese woodblock art.