The artwork “Kamei Rokuro and the Black Bear in the Snow,” created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 1849, is a striking example of a woodcut in the Ukiyo-e art movement, and it belongs to the genre of battle paintings. This piece is currently housed in a private collection.
In the artwork, the scene is set against a snow-covered landscape, portraying an intense combat encounter. Kamei Rokuro, depicted in dynamic motion with vibrant clothing, faces off against a formidable black bear, dramatically captured in full charge. The composition is rich with detail, featuring other characters observing or readying themselves on snowy cliffs and plains. The color palette seamlessly blends the contrasting whites of the snow with the vibrant colors of the figures’ attire and the dark, menacing form of the bear. The background shows a soft gradient of blue and white, enhancing the cold and treacherous atmosphere of the snowy landscape.
