The Murder of Shin, the Teacher’s Daughter, in Honjo
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece The Murder of Shin, the Teacher’s Daughter, in Honjo, 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.
The Murder of Shin, the Teacher’s Daughter, in Honjo is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892). This artwork is part of Yoshitoshi's celebrated series New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was published between 1889 and 1892. The series explores supernatural themes, ghost stories, and legends from Japanese folklore, often blending dramatic storytelling with Yoshitoshi's distinctive artistic style.
The print depicts a scene from a popular kabuki play or folktale involving the tragic murder of a young woman named Shin, the daughter of a teacher, in the Honjo district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The exact historical or literary source of the story is not definitively known, but it reflects the Edo-period fascination with ghost stories and tales of vengeance. In the image, Shin is portrayed as a ghostly figure, her pale and ethereal appearance emphasizing her spectral nature. The composition captures a moment of eerie tension, with Yoshitoshi's use of color and detail heightening the emotional impact.
Yoshitoshi was one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition, and his work is notable for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to evoke complex emotions. By the time he created this series, the ukiyo-e genre was in decline due to the rise of modern printing techniques and Western art influences. Despite these challenges, Yoshitoshi's New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts series is considered a masterpiece, showcasing his technical skill and deep engagement with traditional Japanese culture.
This particular print exemplifies Yoshitoshi's ability to balance horror and beauty, creating an image that is both unsettling and visually captivating. It serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Japan's most influential artists.
