Bunya no Watamaro and Surrendering Rebels in Ōshū 1880

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s woodblock print presents us with a rigidly structured scene of submission, starkly contrasting textures and a muted palette that evokes a profound stillness. The composition hinges on a vertical axis formed by the imposing figure of Bunya no Watamaro. This is counterbalanced by the horizontal orientation of the surrendering rebels kneeling in the foreground. The figures are delineated with sharp, decisive lines, emphasizing their forms and the weight of their posture. Notice how the soft fur textures of Watamaro’s garments stand against the rebels' coarse clothing, which creates a visual hierarchy of power. Yoshitoshi uses colour sparingly, heightening the drama. The red banner pierces the muted greens and browns, underscoring the themes of authority and dominance. This is set against the detailed inscription which can be seen as a coded layer providing another way to interpret the dynamics of power and surrender. The print acts as an artistic and philosophical statement, capturing a moment of conflict. Yet, through its formal elements, it also provokes ongoing reflection on authority, submission, and historical memory.