Leizhen 1865

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print, titled "Leizhen," during the Meiji era in Japan. The image depicts a mythological figure, wreathed in pink flames, battling a dragon amidst swirling clouds and lightning. Yoshitoshi worked during a time of rapid modernization. Japan was opening up to the West, and traditional art forms like Ukiyo-e prints were facing new challenges. Many artists responded by incorporating Western techniques and subject matter, but Yoshitoshi remained committed to traditional themes, often drawing on folklore, history, and legend. In "Leizhen," we see a powerful figure drawn from Japanese mythology. The print participates in the culture of storytelling that was central to Japanese society. To truly appreciate this work, we must explore sources of the Edo and Meiji periods. By examining historical texts, popular culture, and the works of Yoshitoshi's contemporaries, we can better understand the social and institutional context in which this image was created.