Hangakujo

A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Hangakujo, 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, known for his innovative and dramatic woodblock prints. One of his works, Hangakujo, depicts the legendary female warrior Hangaku Gozen, also known as Itagaki. Hangaku Gozen was a historical figure from the late Heian period (794–1185) in Japan, celebrated for her bravery and martial skills during the Genpei War (1180–1185) and subsequent conflicts.

The artwork Hangakujo is part of Yoshitoshi's renowned series New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which he created between 1889 and 1892. This series features supernatural and historical themes, blending folklore, history, and Yoshitoshi's signature dramatic style. In this particular print, Yoshitoshi portrays Hangaku Gozen as a strong and determined figure, emphasizing her role as a warrior. She is often shown wielding a naginata (a traditional Japanese pole weapon) or in a stance that reflects her readiness for battle, though the specific details of the composition may vary depending on the edition or interpretation.

Hangaku Gozen is remembered for her role in defending a fortress during a rebellion against the Kamakura shogunate in 1201. She led a group of 3,000 warriors in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful stand. Despite her defeat and capture, her courage earned her a place in Japanese history and folklore as one of the few celebrated female samurai.

Yoshitoshi's depiction of Hangaku Gozen reflects his interest in strong, heroic figures, as well as his ability to convey emotion and movement through his woodblock prints. His work often combined traditional ukiyo-e techniques with a more modern, dynamic approach to composition and storytelling, which helped to revitalize the art form during a period of decline.

As with many of Yoshitoshi's works, Hangakujo demonstrates his mastery of color, line, and texture, as well as his ability to evoke both the physical and psychological aspects of his subjects. The print is considered an important example of late Edo and early Meiji period ukiyo-e art, showcasing Yoshitoshi's contribution to the preservation and evolution of this traditional Japanese art form.