This exquisite woodblock print by Hideki Hanabusa captures the poignant drama of the bunraku play Date Musume Koi no Hi Kanoko.
The composition spotlights the protagonist, Yaoya Oshichi, adorned in a striking red kimono that radiates against the subdued gray tones of a snow-laden tower in the background. The contrast evokes the intense emotional depth of the story, where Oshichi's passion and tragedy unfold amidst a stark winter setting.
Hanabusa’s delicate attention to detail, from the intricate folds of the kimono to the serene yet melancholic snowfall, transforms this scene into a timeless visual narrative of love and sacrifice in Japanese theater.