Hashiba Chikuzen no Kami Hideyoshi Cutting a Melon 1887

This woodblock print, created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1887, depicts the historical figure Hashiba Hideyoshi, a powerful military leader who unified Japan in the late 16th century. In this scene, Hideyoshi, clad in elaborate samurai armor, is presented with a melon by a kneeling peasant. The print captures a moment of power and authority, showcasing the sharp contrast between the samurai's commanding presence and the peasant's deference. This is one of many prints in the "One Hundred and Twenty-Four Loyal Subjects" series, illustrating the lives of important figures in Japanese history. The striking use of color and detail is characteristic of Yoshitoshi's work, making this a captivating example of ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese art of woodblock printing.