New Moon; Nightingale on a Plum Branch 19th century

"New Moon; Nightingale on a Plum Branch" is a 19th-century woodblock print by Japanese artist Ryūryūkyo Shinsai (1799–1823). This delicate print depicts a nightingale perched on a plum branch, its head tilted upwards as if singing. The plum blossoms, rendered in pale hues of white and yellow, are contrasted against the soft grey of the bird's feathers and the minimalist background. This exemplifies the "ukiyo-e" style of woodblock prints, known for its emphasis on nature and everyday life, capturing a fleeting moment of spring in a serene and graceful manner. The work is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.