Clearing Weather on the Togakushi Mountains; Taira no Koremori Ason
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Clearing Weather on the Togakushi Mountains; Taira no Koremori Ason, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892) was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist, celebrated for his innovative approach to traditional woodblock printing and his ability to capture dramatic and emotional scenes. One of his works, Clearing Weather on the Togakushi Mountains; Taira no Koremori Ason, is part of his renowned series New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was completed between 1889 and 1892. This series is notable for its exploration of supernatural themes, historical figures, and folklore, blending realism with imaginative storytelling.
The print depicts Taira no Koremori, a historical figure from the late Heian period (794–1185) in Japan. Koremori was a member of the Taira clan, which was embroiled in the Genpei War (1180–1185), a conflict between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan. Following the Taira clan's defeat at the Battle of Yashima in 1185, Koremori is said to have fled and eventually renounced the world, becoming a monk. According to legend, he later drowned himself in the sea, overwhelmed by grief and shame over his clan's downfall.
In Yoshitoshi's print, Koremori is portrayed in a serene and contemplative moment, set against the backdrop of the Togakushi Mountains. The title, Clearing Weather on the Togakushi Mountains, suggests a symbolic connection between the natural setting and Koremori's emotional state, possibly reflecting a moment of clarity or resignation. The Togakushi Mountains, located in present-day Nagano Prefecture, are historically and spiritually significant, often associated with Shinto and Buddhist practices.
Yoshitoshi's work is distinguished by its intricate details, dynamic composition, and use of color to evoke mood and atmosphere. In this particular print, the interplay between the figure of Koremori and the surrounding landscape highlights Yoshitoshi's skill in merging human emotion with the natural world. The artist's ability to convey both the historical and the supernatural is a hallmark of his later works, which often delve into themes of mortality, transformation, and the unseen forces that shape human lives.
This print, like others in the New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts series, reflects Yoshitoshi's mature style and his interest in storytelling through visual art. It is considered an example of his contribution to the revival of ukiyo-e during a period when the art form was in decline due to the rise of photography and Western influences. Today, Yoshitoshi's works are celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance, offering insights into Japan's history, mythology, and the enduring power of traditional woodblock printing.
