Plums and Biwa c. 1860s

"Plums and Biwa" is a woodblock print by Tanomura Shosai, a prominent artist of the late Edo period. Created in the 1860s, the print depicts a traditional Japanese musical instrument, the biwa, resting beneath a flowering plum branch. The delicate brushstrokes and soft colors capture the beauty of nature and the instrument. The image is known for its simplicity and elegance, highlighting the appreciation for both music and nature in Japanese culture. Shosai's works are widely recognized for their refined and elegant style, making this a classic example of ukiyo-e art.