Lord Sadanobu, in His Palace at Night, on Guard against an Eerie Presence
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Lord Sadanobu, in His Palace at Night, on Guard against an Eerie Presence, 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.
"Lord Sadanobu, in His Palace at Night, on Guard against an Eerie Presence" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi, born in 1839 and passing away in 1892, is often celebrated as one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock printing and painting. His works are known for their dramatic intensity, innovative compositions, and the ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and supernatural elements.
This particular print is part of Yoshitoshi's series "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was published between 1889 and 1892. The series is notable for its depictions of various supernatural and ghostly themes drawn from Japanese folklore, literature, and history. Each print in the series combines Yoshitoshi's artistic skill with his deep interest in the supernatural.
The subject of the print, Matsudaira Sadanobu, was a historical figure, a daimyō (feudal lord) of the late Edo period. He is best known for his role as the chief senior councilor (rōjū) of the Tokugawa shogunate and for implementing the Kansei Reforms, which aimed to stabilize the shogunate's finances and restore order in society. Sadanobu's tenure as a reformer and his efforts to curb corruption and inefficiency left a significant mark on Japanese history.
In the print, Lord Sadanobu is depicted in a moment of vigilance within his palace at night, prepared to confront an eerie presence. The scene captures the tension and suspense of the moment, with Sadanobu's poised stance and the dark, shadowy atmosphere contributing to the overall sense of unease. Yoshitoshi's use of color, light, and shadow enhances the dramatic effect, making the viewer feel the intensity of the situation.
Yoshitoshi's portrayal of Sadanobu in this supernatural context reflects the artist's fascination with the interplay between historical figures and ghostly legends. By placing a real historical figure in a fictional, eerie scenario, Yoshitoshi blurs the lines between history and myth, inviting viewers to explore the deeper cultural and psychological dimensions of his work.
"Lord Sadanobu, in His Palace at Night, on Guard against an Eerie Presence" exemplifies Yoshitoshi's mastery of the woodblock print medium and his ability to convey complex narratives through his art. The print is a testament to his skill in capturing the essence of both the human and the supernatural, making it a significant piece in the study of Japanese art and folklore.
Today, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's works, including this print, are highly regarded and continue to be studied and appreciated for their artistic and cultural significance. They offer a window into the rich tapestry of Japanese history, folklore, and the ukiyo-e tradition, preserving the legacy of one of Japan's most influential artists.
