Sparrows and Plum Blossoms in Snow
雪中梅
Tsuchida Bakusen · December 1920 (Taisho 9) · Hanging scroll
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A hanging scroll in color on silk by Tsuchida Bakusen, painted in December 1920 (Taisho 9). Five sparrows perch on a snow-covered plum tree, rendered with a minimum of color. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum owns it.
- Artist
- Tsuchida Bakusen
- Date
- December 1920 (Taisho 9)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
On the tall composition plum branches laden with snow cross diagonally, with white blossoms scattered sparsely. Five sparrows perch apart on the branches. The snow on the branches is not colored but is expressed by using the whiteness of the silk.
According to the museum's commentary, the sparrows' bodies also make skillful use of unpainted areas and are finished with minimal coloring. An inscription on the box reads "Koshin rogetsu," showing that the work dates to December 1920 (Taisho 9).
Two years before it was made, in 1918 (Taisho 7), Bakusen founded the Kokuga Sosaku Kyokai, and the year after it was made, in 1921 (Taisho 10), he traveled to Europe. The commentary calls this work a piece from a transitional period in which he was seeking new expression in Japanese painting, and says the rough brushwork shows a vigorous ambition. Bakusen was born on Sado Island in Niigata and studied under Takeuchi Seiho. The scroll is 143.0 cm high and 35.0 cm wide.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
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Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Sparrows and Plum Blossoms in Snow, and when?
- Sparrows and Plum Blossoms in Snow is by Tsuchida Bakusen, made in December 1920 (Taisho 9). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Sparrows and Plum Blossoms in Snow?
- It is held by Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
- Japan Search (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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