Women Cutting Branches of Bush Clover; The Noji Tama River in Omi Province - Kubo Shunman

A refined ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kubo Shunman, depicting three women gathering bush clover by the Noji Tama River.

This woodblock print by Kubo Shunman depicts a scene from the series titled The Six Tama Rivers. The composition focuses on three women gathering bush clover, or hagi, near the Noji Tama River in Omi Province. Shunman, a versatile artist known for his work in the ukiyo-e tradition, employs a refined aesthetic that balances human figures with the natural environment. The figures are rendered with delicate line work, characteristic of the period, and are dressed in patterned kimonos that demonstrate the artist's attention to textile detail.

The setting is quiet and atmospheric. A stream flows at the bottom of the frame, while the bush clover provides a light, floral element that anchors the figures. One woman stands tall, observing the others, while a second woman leans forward, holding a small lantern. A third woman crouches near the plant, engaged in the act of cutting the branches. The use of space is deliberate, with the figures arranged to create a sense of gentle movement within the scene. The muted colour palette, typical of Shunman's prints, relies on soft tones to convey the mood of the season.

Shunman was not only a printmaker but also a poet, and his artistic output often reflects a literary sensibility. This print is an example of the mitate-e style, where classical themes or locations are reinterpreted through contemporary figures. By placing the women in a setting associated with the famous Six Tama Rivers, Shunman connects the everyday activity of gathering plants to a broader cultural tradition. The print captures a moment of domestic activity, elevated by the artist's precise draughtsmanship and balanced composition. It remains a representative example of late eighteenth-century Japanese print culture, showing the technical skill involved in multi-block printing processes of the era.