Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
This beautiful woodcut print depicts a revenge tale well-known in Japan. In 1642, Tamiya Genpachiro was murdered by a jealous fencing master. His orphaned son, Botaro (on the right), vows to avenge his father's death and spends his youth training as a swordsman, encouraged by his nursemaid, Otsuji (on the left). At 17, Botaro fulfills his vow by avenging his father's death, after which Otsuji, having vowed to train Botaro, enters holy orders.
The influence of European Art Nouveau on this woodblock print's composition is unmistakable, even though Yoshitoshi likely never saw original European paintings. His master, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, kept reproductions of European art hidden, making them accessible to his students while Japan was still isolated from the outside world. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, the last and greatest genius of traditional ukiyo-e, was born in the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate and lived most of his adult life during the modernizing Meiji era. Influenced by Western art, he strove to balance new Western influences with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. His innovative compositions and lines, along with his unique ability to capture personalities and moments, are unparalleled in ukiyo-e and rare in art history.
P.S. Japanese art is so varied! Take a look at some of the most amazing Japanese woodblock prints!
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