Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen

A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen, 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.

"Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi, born in 1839 and deceased in 1892, is celebrated as one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock printing and painting. His works are known for their dynamic compositions, vivid colors, and often dramatic or supernatural themes.

This particular print is part of Yoshitoshi's series titled "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was published between 1889 and 1892. The series features a variety of ghostly and supernatural subjects drawn from Japanese folklore, literature, and history. Each print in the series is characterized by its intricate detail and the artist's ability to convey emotion and narrative through his use of line and color.

"Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen" depicts a scene involving a court lady named Asaoka. In the print, Asaoka is shown observing a mouse that has appeared on a screen. The scene is rendered with Yoshitoshi's typical attention to detail, capturing the delicate features of the court lady and the subtle textures of her clothing and surroundings. The mouse, a small but significant detail, adds an element of curiosity and surprise to the composition.

The print reflects Yoshitoshi's interest in combining traditional Japanese themes with his own unique artistic vision. His work often explores the interplay between the human and supernatural worlds, and this print is no exception. The presence of the mouse, a seemingly mundane creature, in the refined setting of the court suggests a moment of unexpected intrusion, a common motif in Yoshitoshi's work.

Yoshitoshi's career spanned a period of significant change in Japan, as the country transitioned from the Edo period to the Meiji era. This era saw the introduction of Western influences and technologies, which had a profound impact on Japanese art and culture. Despite these changes, Yoshitoshi remained dedicated to the traditional techniques of ukiyo-e, while also incorporating new elements into his work.

The "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" series, including "Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen," is considered one of Yoshitoshi's masterpieces. It showcases his skill in storytelling through visual art and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in the viewer. Today, Yoshitoshi's works are highly regarded and continue to be studied and admired for their artistic and historical significance.

In summary, "Court Lady Asaoka Watching a Mouse on a Screen" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is a notable example of the artist's late work, combining traditional Japanese themes with his distinctive style. The print is part of a larger series that highlights Yoshitoshi's mastery of the ukiyo-e technique and his ability to create compelling, narrative-driven art.