Nonwestern Blog

 Utagawa Kuniyoshi 

    Utagawa Kuniyoshi was a Japanese artist that was known for his work in uikyo-e. This genre of art flourished during the 19th century that was a depiction of everyday life in Japan. This was an engraving type of artwork that was prevalent in Japan. Utagawa Kuniyoshi was actually one of the last great masters of the uikyo-e artwork style. He was a member of the Utagawa School. This style of uikyo-e is similar to what many would call this style warrior print in the Americanized way of art. He was born in Tokyo and began training under Toyokuni who he became one of the first chief pupils. The artwork that Kuniyoshi began with was warrior paintings but eventually went into things such as birds and flowers after the success of his warrior artwork flourished. Ukiyo-e means in translation "pictures of the floating world."  



Takiyasha the Witch and the Skeleton Spectre by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

    This image was fascinating to me because I love the unrealistic depiction of the skeleton with the realistic representation of the women with the scroll in the back. This style again features the everyday life of someone in Japan, this was something that looks like it could be an everyday activity, however, the skeleton adds a layer to the image. The skeleton appears to be looking in to this woman's everyday life and activities that are going on. I love the way this work was done because it makes you think. It makes you try to put yourself into the mind of the author that was completing this image. I wonder what he was thinking, and what made him create something like this. His use of size and space with the skeleton versus the people provides a layer of dimension to the piece. This also creates symbolism because it makes me think he had a meaning behind this. The woodblock prints and painting alone create a texture to the piece. The landscape feature of this image also creates a good visual for the viewer. Had this been featured any other way, I don't think the size of the skeleton would have looked as appealing. This piece tells a story, one that I find very beautiful. I think the color as well creates separation between the bright white skeleton and the realistic depiction of the individuals doing their daily lives and chores. This was created between 1843 and 1847 in Tokyo Japan. Currently this painting would be featured at the Honolou art museum in the United States. 

https://www.arthistoryproject.com/artists/utagawa-kuniyoshi/takiyasha-the-witch-and-the-skeleton-spectre/

https://gallerythane.com/en-us/blogs/news/unveiling-the-enigmatic-tale-of-takiyasha-the-witch-and-the-skeleton-specter-by-utagawa-kuniyoshi?srsltid=AfmBOooNz5mySv12Y_dpuE_iIxiAU8Pb59Ahy-fEvX2eOP-uQQ1THhq-

https://theartofeducation.edu/2023/10/oct-5-eerie-artists-and-their-unnerving-art-part-2-non-western-edition/


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