Shitakiri suzume 1880

"Shitakiri suzume" is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi from 1880. It depicts a gaunt, elderly man, likely a beggar, carrying a large basket on his back and using a cane to support his frail body. The intricate detail in his withered, skeletal features and the stark contrast between his worn clothes and the basket highlight the themes of poverty and suffering often present in Yoshitoshi’s work. This print is a powerful example of the "ukiyo-e" style, with its dramatic composition and bold lines. Yoshitoshi was a master of this genre, renowned for his depictions of historical figures and his powerful imagery.