Hatchōtsubute Kiheiji’s Wife Yatsushiro with a Dog 1866

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this print of "Hatchōtsubute Kiheiji’s Wife Yatsushiro with a Dog," during the Meiji era, a time of rapid modernization and cultural shifts in Japan. The print reflects the complex negotiation of gender roles in this period. Yoshitoshi presents Yatsushiro as both feminine and fierce, challenging traditional representations of women. Her elegant kimono contrasts sharply with the swords and arrows strewn around her, signaling a departure from passive femininity towards a more active, even warrior-like identity. The presence of the dog further emphasizes her strength and loyalty, reflecting societal expectations but also hinting at a deeper emotional bond. Yoshitoshi masterfully weaves together cultural expectations and personal expression in this print. Yatsushiro embodies resilience and defiance, capturing a spirit that resonates with the complex realities of women in a changing world.