Dark Sorcery in Old Japan — The Woman Who Became Takiyasha / 木曽街道六十九次之内 芦田 — 歌川国芳 / Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861)
Description
An original Edo-period Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the most imaginative and internationally celebrated masters of ukiyo-e.
Created in 1852, this work is “Ashida” from Kuniyoshi’s famous series The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō (木曽街道六十九次之内).
At first glance, it appears to be an elegant woman traveling through a snowy landscape.
Look closer, however, and the scene becomes much darker.
The woman is Nyogetsuni, a sorceress associated with the legendary Takiyasha. She walks through the snow while performing a magical ritual, while behind her an attendant carries a severed human head attached to a branch.
It is a striking example of Kuniyoshi’s fascination with the supernatural, warriors, legends, ghosts and strange stories of old Japan.
Takiyasha is one of the legendary female figures associated with Japanese supernatural folklore. She is traditionally connected with the fallen warrior Taira no Masakado and became famous in later stories as a woman possessing extraordinary magical powers.
Rather than simply depicting a beautiful woman, Kuniyoshi creates an unsettling contrast between beauty and horror: elegant clothing, falling snow, supernatural ritual, and the shocking presence of the severed head.
This combination gives the print an atmosphere that feels surprisingly cinematic even today.
A small landscape of Ashida appears in the upper cartouche, connecting the supernatural story to one of the stations along the historic Kisokaidō highway.
For collectors of ukiyo-e, but equally for those fascinated by samurai culture, Japanese folklore, yokai, supernatural stories, tattoo art, dark interiors, or unconventional Japanese design, this is a particularly memorable work.
Original title: 木曽街道六十九次之内 芦田
English title: Ashida, from The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō
Subject: Nyogetsuni / Takiyasha legend
Date: 1852
Period: Edo period
Format: Ōban nishiki-e woodblock print
Publisher: Sumiyoshiya Masagorō
Size: Approx. 36.5 × 25.0 cm / 14.4 × 9.8 in.
Artist
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) was one of the great masters of nineteenth-century Japanese ukiyo-e.
He became particularly famous for dynamic warriors, legendary heroes, supernatural creatures, ghosts, monsters and highly imaginative compositions.
His dramatic visual language has made his work especially popular far beyond traditional ukiyo-e collecting, influencing modern illustration, manga, tattoo culture and contemporary Japanese visual culture.
Condition
This is an antique woodblock print dating from the Edo period.
Age-related wear, discoloration, staining, rubbing, creasing and other signs of age may be present.
Despite its age, the composition retains a powerful visual presence.
Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing, as the photographs form an important part of the condition description.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available.
The artwork will be carefully packed to protect it during international transportation.
In the unlikely event that the artwork is damaged or lost during shipping, we will provide appropriate compensation or a refund after confirming the circumstances.
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost. If applicable, these charges are determined by the destination country’s customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
Dark Sorcery in Old Japan — The Woman Who Became Takiyasha / Kisokaidō Rokujūkyū-tsugi no Uchi Ashida — Utagawa Kuniyoshi / Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861)
Description
An Edo period woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the leading ukiyo-e artists of the 19th century.
This work, created in 1852 (Kaei 5), is "Ashida" from Kuniyoshi's representative series "Kisokaidō Rokujūkyū-tsugi no Uchi."
At first glance, it appears to be a work depicting a beautiful woman traveling through a snowy landscape.
However, upon closer inspection, the world changes dramatically.
The woman depicted is Nyogetsuni, a sorceress associated with the legend of Takiyasha.
She performs a magical ritual while walking through the snow, and behind her, an attendant carries a "severed head" tied to a branch.
It is a very striking piece, characteristic of Kuniyoshi, who favored depicting warriors, legends, ghosts, sorcery, and strange occurrences.
Takiyasha is one of the iconic female figures in Japanese tales of the strange and legendary.
Associated with the legend of Taira no Masakado, she became widely known in later stories as a woman wielding powerful sorcery.
What Kuniyoshi depicts here is not merely a beautiful woman.
Beautiful kimono.
Quietly falling snow.
A woman performing sorcery.
And behind her, a severed head being carried.
By coexisting "beauty" and "horror" on the same screen, he creates an unsettling and dramatic world that resonates with modern cinema and manga.
A small window at the top depicts the landscape of "Ashida," a post station on the Nakasendō route.
This work is recommended not only for ukiyo-e collectors but also for those who appreciate samurai, Japanese ghost stories, yokai, legends, tattoo art, dark interiors, and distinctive Japanese art.
Original title: 木曽街道六十九次之内 芦田
English title: Ashida, from The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō
Subject: Nyogetsuni / Takiyasha legend
Year of production: 1852 (Kaei 5)
Period: Edo period
Format: Ōban nishiki-e woodblock print
Publisher: Sumiyoshiya Masagorō
Size: Approx. 36.5 × 25.0 cm
Artist
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) was one of the leading ukiyo-e artists of the 19th century.
He is particularly known for his dynamic warrior prints, heroes, ghosts, yokai, strange occurrences, and bold works depicting legends.
His original compositions and powerful visuals are highly regarded today not only by ukiyo-e collectors but also in the contexts of manga, illustration, and tattoo culture.
Condition
This is an old woodblock print produced during the Edo period.
Age-related discoloration, stains, dirt, scuffs, and wrinkles may be present.
However, even after approximately 170 years, this work still offers the powerful composition and presence characteristic of Kuniyoshi.
Please examine the posted photos carefully to confirm the condition before purchasing.
Shipping
International shipping is available.
The artwork will be carefully packed and shipped with sufficient protection to prevent damage during international transport.
In the unlikely event of damage or loss during shipping, we will provide compensation or a refund after confirming the circumstances.
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product price or shipping cost. If applicable, these charges are determined by the customs authorities of the destination country and are the responsibility of the customer.
