Masaoka, a Wet Nurse to the Date Clan, Holding Her Murdered Child 1881

"Masaoka, a Wet Nurse to the Date Clan, Holding Her Murdered Child" is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, a prominent artist of the late Edo period. The print depicts a woman in traditional Japanese attire, with her head tilted upwards in mourning, clutching a child’s body in her arms. The scene is set in a garden, with a pine tree in the background, symbolizing resilience and strength. Yoshitoshi's mastery of detail is evident in the intricate patterns of the woman’s kimono and the delicate blossoms on the tree. The sorrowful gaze of the woman creates a poignant image of grief and loss, capturing a tragic moment in Japanese history. This print was created in 1881, during a turbulent period in Japan, and is known for its powerful portrayal of human suffering.