Artwork

玉藻前と三浦介|The Warrior Miura-no-suke Confronting the Court Lady Tamamo-no-mae as She Turns into an Evil Fox with Nine Tails

玉藻前と三浦介|The Warrior Miura-no-suke Confronting the Court Lady Tamamo-no-mae as She Turns into an Evil Fox with Nine Tails is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created circa 1824 by Yashima Gakutei, depicts a dramatic confrontation between a warrior and a supernatural being. The work is a surimono, a type of print known for its refined design and poetic themes.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Miura-no-suke, a warrior, facing Tamamo-no-mae, a court lady transforming into a nine-tailed fox, a creature from Japanese folklore. The transformation is hinted at by the woman's hair and emerging tail-like shape.

Technique & Style

Gakutei employed bold colors and sharp lines to convey a sense of urgency and drama. The dark background, with swirling lines and a glowing moon, adds to the supernatural atmosphere. The artist's use of ink and color on paper creates a vivid, dynamic scene.

History & Provenance

Yashima Gakutei, active from around 1786 to 1868, was trained under Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. He was known for his kyōka poetry and surimono prints, of which this work is an example.

Artist & collection

Artist

Yashima Gakutei

Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.