Kuzu no ha
1880
In this evocative woodblock print, creeping vines of arrowroot leaves drape over the interior, framing a woman in a deep crimson kimono who kneels with her back turned, seemingly lost in sorrow. A small child in a vibrant blue robe gazes up at her, creating a touching contrast between childhood innocence and adult melancholy. The title, Kuzu no ha, references a classic poem comparing dew on these leaves to tears on a sleeve, hinting that the woman is weeping. Yoshitoshi, the last great master of the ukiyo-e tradition, uses the encroaching nature to emphasize the passage of time and the quiet sadness of the domestic scene.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper and ink
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