Yorimasa Awaiting the Nue 1882

This print of Yorimasa Awaiting the Nue was made by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in 1883, using woodblock and ink on paper. It depicts a scene from the Heian period of Japanese history, when a monster known as the Nue terrorized the Emperor. The image is replete with references to social and cultural traditions. Yorimasa, a celebrated warrior, is shown armed with a bow, awaiting the Nue under the light of a crescent moon. The print subtly alludes to the samurai class's role in protecting the imperial court, as well as their deep connection to both nature and the supernatural. Yoshitoshi made it during the Meiji era, a time of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. Prints like this one served to remind people of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. To fully understand this print, we must consult historical and literary sources about the samurai, their code of honor, and the monsters of Japanese folklore. Approaching art history in this way can show how artworks participate in broader social and cultural dialogues.