Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre by Utagawa Kuniyoshi - c. 1844 - 35 x 71 cm Victoria and Albert Museum Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre by Utagawa Kuniyoshi - c. 1844 - 35 x 71 cm Victoria and Albert Museum

Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre

woodblock print on paper • 35 x 71 cm
  • Utagawa Kuniyoshi - January 1, 1798 - April 14, 1861 Utagawa Kuniyoshi c. 1844
Japanese woodcuts are perfect for Halloween. A lot of them depict stories from Japanese legends, which are full of demons, skeletons, and scary and creepy scenes. Perfect for today!
 
This striking image illustrates the story of Princess Takiyasha, daughter of warlord Taira no Masakado who started a rebellion against the court in Kyoto. As the rebellion failed and Masakado was subsequently killed, the ghosts of soldiers who had fallen during the rebellion haunted Masakado’s palace at Sōma. This print captures the moment when Princess Takiyasha summons these ghosts and turns them into an enormous skeleton whilst Ōya no Tarō Mitsukuni, who is sent by the emperor to hunt down the remaining allies of Masakado, fearlessly faces the skeleton and eventually defeats the plotters.
 
P.S. Happy Halloween!  If you want to get some more spooks before the Halloween night, check these 13 creepy paintings!
 
P.P.S. If you love Japanese art, please check our 2023 DailyArt Planner with Japanese Art; it is handmade, printed on the best quality paper, and full of art.  It will be the best companion for 2023.  :)