Kiyohime, Emerging from the Hidaka River, Turning into a Serpent
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Kiyohime, Emerging from the Hidaka River, Turning into a Serpent, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Kiyohime, Emerging from the Hidaka River, Turning into a Serpent is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892). This artwork is part of Yoshitoshi's celebrated series New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was published between 1889 and 1892. The series is known for its vivid depictions of supernatural themes, drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore, kabuki theater, and historical tales.
The print illustrates a dramatic moment from the legend of Kiyohime, a story rooted in Japanese mythology and Buddhist tradition. According to the tale, Kiyohime was a young woman who fell in love with a monk named Anchin. When Anchin rejected her advances, Kiyohime's unrequited love turned into obsessive rage. She pursued him to the Hidaka River, where, consumed by her emotions, she transformed into a serpent. In her serpent form, she continued her pursuit, eventually leading to a tragic conclusion.
Yoshitoshi's depiction captures the pivotal moment of Kiyohime's transformation. The artwork shows her emerging from the waters of the Hidaka River, her human features beginning to merge with those of a serpent. The composition emphasizes the emotional intensity of the scene, with dynamic lines and dramatic contrasts that reflect Yoshitoshi's mastery of the ukiyo-e style. The print also demonstrates Yoshitoshi's skill in portraying psychological depth, as Kiyohime's expression conveys both anguish and determination.
This work is notable for its combination of traditional Japanese artistic techniques with a modern sensibility. Yoshitoshi was one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e tradition, and his works often bridged the gap between classical themes and the changing cultural landscape of the Meiji era. Kiyohime, Emerging from the Hidaka River, Turning into a Serpent exemplifies this synthesis, blending a timeless legend with the artist's innovative approach to composition and storytelling.
Today, Yoshitoshi's prints, including this one, are highly regarded for their artistic and historical significance. They offer insight into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of 19th-century Japan, as well as the enduring appeal of folklore and myth in Japanese art.
