Affiche The Young Bushi

This painting depicts a man dressed in traditional Japanese attire, likely a young samurai, rendered in a style reminiscent of Japanese watercolor. Visual Description The man is positioned centrally, facing the viewer with a steady, perhaps intense, gaze. He has dark hair, a light mustache, and a short beard. He wears a large, conical straw hat (often called a sandogasa) resting on his head, tied with a blue cloth or bandana. A small, reddish-brown plume or tassel decorates the top of the hat. His main garment is a kimono or in a deep, vibrant indigo or blue color. The fabric is patterned with a repeated design of white and orange-centered cherry blossoms (sakura) or similar flowers, along with lighter blue foliage, giving it a rich, textural look. Beneath the outer garment, he wears a white under-layer, and a red obi (sash) is visible around his waist, cinching the robes. A pleated, light tan or cream-colored lower garment, likely a type of hakama, is also visible. In his hands, which are held at his abdomen, he grasps the sheathed hilt of a sword (a wakizashi). The hilt wrapping (tsuka-maki) is black, and a small, white, fluffy pom-pom or tassel hangs from the scabbard. Artistic Style and Details The artwork has a soft, slightly muted color palette with the deep blue of the robe providing a strong anchor. The brushwork, particularly in the background, is fluid and suggestive, with washes of light blue, white, and tan hinting at clouds or an abstract sky. On the left side of the composition, there is an element of Japanese calligraphy. A vertical column of black characters, with a small red chop or seal below it, adds an authentic stylistic detail and may indicate the artist's signature. The overall impression is one of stoicism, dignity, and historical homage.