The artwork titled “Sumino Jûheiji Tsugufusa,” crafted by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi around 1847-1848, is a woodblock print exemplifying the Ukiyo-e art movement. This illustration, part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai,” measures 36.8 x 25.7 cm and is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork portrays a vividly detailed image of a samurai with a determined expression, gripping a sheathed sword while sitting on a mat adorned with intricate patterns. The samurai is dressed in traditional attire featuring layered clothing with dynamic designs, including a mix of geometric and natural motifs. The background is populated with text, adding context and enhancing the narrative quality typical of Ukiyo-e prints. The color palette is rich, with deep blacks, blues, and reds harmoniously balanced, creating a visually captivating composition.
