Fallen Blossoms in the Snow

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

Artist Rokkaen (Japanese, 19th century)

Date1874

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper

DimensionsOban Triptych: 35.8 × 73.7 cm (14 1/8 × 29 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.230

DescriptionIi Naosuke (1815–60) was a high-ranking government official assassinated in 1860 by samurai critical of trade concessions he made to the United States, particularly the Harris Treaty in 1858. The print’s title alludes to these events, as “fallen blossoms” refers to the site of the killing at the Sakuradamon or “Cherry Blossom Gate” of the Shogun’s castle in Edo (now Tokyo). Explicit references to current events were strictly prohibited during the Edo period (1603–1868) as the government wished to avoid dissenting opinions. This print reflects the last wave of reluctance to specify historical events directly, though the subject would have been immediately clear to contemporary viewers.
Label TextIi Naosuke (1815–60) was a high-ranking government official assassinated in 1860 by samurai critical of trade concessions he made to the United States, particularly the Harris Treaty in 1858. The print’s title alludes to these events, as “fallen blossoms” refers to the site of the killing at the Sakuradamon or “Cherry Blossom Gate” of the Shogun’s castle in Edo (now Tokyo). Explicit references to current events were strictly prohibited during the Edo period (1603–1868) as the government wished to avoid dissenting opinions. This print reflects the last wave of reluctance to specify historical events directly, though the subject would have been immediately clear to contemporary viewers.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

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