Shōgun Tarō Taira Yoshikado Disarming Two Goblins
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Shōgun Tarō Taira Yoshikado Disarming Two Goblins, 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.
"Shōgun Tarō Taira Yoshikado Disarming Two Goblins" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892), one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition. This artwork is part of Yoshitoshi's celebrated series "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" (新形三十六怪撰, Shinkei Sanjūroku Kaisen), which was published between 1889 and 1892. The series explores supernatural themes, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore, historical tales, and kabuki theater.
The print depicts a dramatic scene involving Tarō Taira Yoshikado, a historical figure from the Heian period (794–1185), who was a member of the powerful Taira clan. In this artwork, Yoshikado is shown disarming two goblins, creatures often associated with mischief and supernatural powers in Japanese mythology. The image captures the tension and dynamism of the moment, with Yoshitoshi's characteristic attention to detail and expressive use of color and composition.
Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" series is notable for its innovative approach to traditional subjects. While earlier ukiyo-e artists often depicted supernatural themes with a focus on horror, Yoshitoshi's works in this series are distinguished by their psychological depth and narrative complexity. His prints often combine elements of realism with fantastical imagery, reflecting the influence of Western art techniques that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan during the late 19th century.
The exact historical context of the scene depicted in "Shōgun Tarō Taira Yoshikado Disarming Two Goblins" is unclear, as it appears to be a fictionalized or legendary account rather than a direct representation of a documented event. However, the artwork exemplifies Yoshitoshi's ability to blend historical and mythical elements, creating a compelling visual narrative that resonates with the viewer.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's work, including this print, is highly regarded for its artistic and cultural significance. His contributions to the ukiyo-e tradition helped preserve and transform the art form during a period of rapid modernization in Japan. Today, his prints are celebrated for their technical mastery, emotional depth, and imaginative storytelling.
