Taira no Koremochi about to Kill the Demon Maiden of Mt. Togakushi
Artist
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡 芳年
(Japanese, 1839–1892)
Date1887
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number2005.70
DescriptionThe supernatural exploits of the eleventh-century warrior Taira Koremochi were popularized on stage in several forms of traditional theater. He attended a maple-leaf viewing party held at Mt. Togakushi in order to investigate rumors of a demon that was plaguing the resident deity. A beautiful woman attempted to seduce him, though Koremochi was able to see her true form reflected in the water and defeat her. The design exploits the pattern of the woodblock grain, visible in the water, which adds dynamism to the swirling leaves on the surface.Label TextThe supernatural exploits of the eleventh-century warrior Taira Koremochi were popularized on stage in several forms of traditional theater. He attended a maple-leaf viewing party held at Mt. Togakushi in order to investigate rumors of a demon that was plaguing the resident deity. A beautiful woman attempted to seduce him, though Koremochi was able to see her true form reflected in the water and defeat her. The design exploits the pattern of the woodblock grain, visible in the water, which adds dynamism to the swirling leaves on the surface.ProvenanceRichard Kruml, London, England
On View
Not on view
