Ushiwaka (Minamoto Yoshitsune) Battling Tengu (Mitate setsu-getsu-ka no uchi kurama zuki) Possibly 1883

Curator: This vibrant woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika depicts Ushiwaka, better known as Minamoto Yoshitsune, battling a tengu. It's part of the series "Mitate setsu-getsu-ka no uchi kurama zuki." Editor: Wow, what a mood! It’s this amazing clash of bold color and subtle tension. Is he winning, or just about to lose? Curator: The image references the historical narrative of Minamoto Yoshitsune's training with the tengu, mountain goblins, which equipped him with exceptional martial skills. Kunichika uses this popular legend to explore themes of power, mentorship, and the blurring lines between human and supernatural realms. Editor: I love how the bold red and green fabrics kind of box him in. It's almost as if the print is asking, how much does what others teach us really shape who we are? And look at that poor tengu's face! Curator: Absolutely, and if we consider the context of 19th-century Japan, such prints often functioned as a form of cultural commentary, reflecting societal values and anxieties regarding class and honor. Editor: Right, it is as if Kunichika wants us to see the battle between the real and the unreal, between the lessons we learn and the truths we carve for ourselves. Curator: Ultimately, I find this print an intriguing case study in how historical narratives intertwine with cultural identity and artistic expression. Editor: For me, it's that raw, uncertain feeling. A reminder that even heroes feel cornered sometimes.