Samanosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Samanosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires, 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.
"Samonosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi, born in 1839 and passing 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 composition, dramatic use of color, and innovative approach to traditional themes.
This particular print is part of Yoshitoshi's series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" (Tsuki hyakushi), which was published between 1885 and 1892. The series consists of 100 prints, each depicting a scene from Japanese and Chinese history, literature, folklore, or legend, all unified by the motif of the moon. Yoshitoshi's fascination with the moon is evident throughout the series, as it serves as a symbol of beauty, mystery, and the passage of time.
"Samonosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires" features the legendary figure Samanosuke Mitsutoshi, a character rooted in Japanese folklore. The print captures a moment where Mitsutoshi is surrounded by kitsunebi, or fox fires. Kitsunebi are mysterious, ghostly lights that are said to be produced by kitsune, or fox spirits, which are prominent in Japanese mythology. These fox fires are often depicted as floating orbs of light, adding an ethereal and supernatural element to the scene.
Yoshitoshi's depiction of Mitsutoshi with fox fires is notable for its vivid colors and intricate details. The artist's skillful use of line and shading brings a sense of movement and life to the print, while the expression on Mitsutoshi's face conveys a mix of determination and awe. The moon, a central theme in the series, is subtly integrated into the composition, enhancing the mystical atmosphere of the scene.
The print reflects Yoshitoshi's deep interest in the supernatural and the human condition, themes that are prevalent throughout his body of work. His ability to blend traditional Japanese art techniques with innovative storytelling has earned him a lasting legacy in the art world. "Samonosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires" is a testament to Yoshitoshi's mastery of the woodblock print medium and his unique artistic vision.
Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" series, including this print, is highly regarded for its artistic and cultural significance. It represents a culmination of the ukiyo-e tradition, capturing the imagination of audiences both in Japan and internationally. The series is often studied for its historical context, as it was created during a time of great change in Japan, transitioning from the Edo period to the Meiji era.
Today, Yoshitoshi's works, including "Samonosuke Mitsutoshi with Fox Fires," are held in high esteem by collectors and art historians. They are featured in major museum collections around the world, where they continue to be appreciated for their beauty, craftsmanship, and insight into Japanese culture and folklore.
