Musashibo Benkei Kneeling by a Plum Tree
1814
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
1814
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Musashibo Benkei Kneeling by a Plum Tree is a 1814 by Utagawa Kunisada, a Romanticism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting shows a warrior in heavy armor kneeling on one knee, his helmet off. His black-and-white layered armor has red accents, and he holds a sword in one hand. Behind him, a bare-branched plum tree stands against a pale gold sky, with a few scattered blossoms. The ground is littered with a helmet, a basket, and a few rocks. The warrior’s face looks up, almost surprised, while the plum tree’s bare branches contrast with the bright flowers. The armor’s details suggest a warrior ready for battle, but the quiet tree adds a calm moment. Next, look up *The Cleveland Museum of Art* to see where this painting is kept.
