Fujiwara no Yasumasa Playing the Flute by Moonlight on an Open Moor 1888

This woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi depicts Fujiwara no Yasumasa playing the flute under the moonlight, likely created in the late 19th century. The image embodies ideals of the samurai class, contrasting their martial prowess with refined artistic sensibilities. Made in Japan during the Meiji period, this print reflects the country's complex negotiation of tradition and modernity. The samurai, once the ruling class, were losing power, and images like this served to romanticize their past. The moon, a symbol of tranquility, shines down on Yasumasa, a noble, who is juxtaposed against a crouching figure, perhaps an enemy. The flute becomes a symbol of composure amidst conflict. To fully understand this image, one might research the social codes of the samurai class, the history of the Meiji Restoration, and the role of art in constructing national identity. The art historian can reveal how cultural values shape the creation and interpretation of such works.