['Boatsman Matsuemon in pine', 'Representations of the Eight Views'] 1860

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, titled "Boatsman Matsuemon in Pine," was created by Utagawa Kunisada in 1860. It depicts a close-up of Matsuemon, a character from the kabuki play "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees." Matsuemon is a boatman who is said to be the reincarnation of a warrior who died in the Genpei War. Kunisada is known for his detailed and expressive portrayals of kabuki actors, and this print is a good example of his work. The print is part of a series of prints called "Representations of the Eight Views," which depicted famous scenic spots in Japan. This print is held in the Rijksmuseum and measures 360 mm in height and 251 mm in width.