The model of this portrait is Vasilii Yaroshenko (1889-1952), a blind, then young Russian poet and Esperantist who appears also in a short novel of Lu Xun. Yaroshenko first came to Japan in 1914, then went wandering about Asian countries, and returned to Japan in 1919 to become a dependent at Nakamuraya, a baker in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This piece is characterized by soft brushwork reminiscent of the style of Renoir that Tsune greatly admired at that time, and the small number of colors used—chiefly the yellowish brown range. This piece unveils the deep spirituality of the model in placid light.

(Designated an Important Cultural Property on June 11, 1977)