Lord Sadanobu with a Demon behind a Screen
A hand-painted replica of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece Lord Sadanobu with a Demon behind a Screen, 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.
"Lord Sadanobu with a Demon behind a Screen" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Yoshitoshi, who lived from 1839 to 1892, is celebrated as one of the last great masters of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock printing and painting. His works are known for their dynamic composition, dramatic themes, and innovative use of color and form, which helped transition traditional Japanese art into the modern era.
This particular print is part of Yoshitoshi's series "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" (Shinkei Sanjūrokkaisen), which was produced between 1889 and 1892. The series is notable for its exploration of supernatural themes, drawing on Japanese folklore, legends, and historical tales to depict various ghosts, spirits, and mythical beings. Yoshitoshi's interest in the supernatural was reflective of a broader cultural fascination with ghost stories and the supernatural during the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan.
The print "Lord Sadanobu with a Demon behind a Screen" illustrates a scene involving Matsudaira Sadanobu, a historical figure known for his role as a senior councilor in the Tokugawa shogunate during the late 18th century. Sadanobu is remembered for his efforts in implementing the Kansei Reforms, which aimed to stabilize the economy and society of Japan during a time of financial difficulty. However, the specific context of the scene depicted in Yoshitoshi's print is not directly tied to Sadanobu's political career but rather to a more legendary or anecdotal aspect of his life.
In the artwork, Sadanobu is shown seated calmly, with a demon lurking behind a screen. The demon is depicted with traditional features such as horns and a menacing expression, embodying the typical characteristics of oni, or demons, in Japanese folklore. The juxtaposition of the composed Sadanobu and the hidden demon creates a tension that is characteristic of Yoshitoshi's work, highlighting themes of bravery, composure, and the unseen threats that may lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
Yoshitoshi's use of color and line in this print is exemplary of his mature style. The careful attention to detail in the depiction of Sadanobu's clothing and the screen contrasts with the more fluid and dynamic representation of the demon, emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the creature. The print reflects Yoshitoshi's skill in blending realism with the fantastical, a hallmark of his later works.
"Lord Sadanobu with a Demon behind a Screen" is a testament to Yoshitoshi's ability to capture the imagination and intrigue of his audience through the use of traditional Japanese artistic techniques and storytelling. It remains a significant piece within the "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" series and continues to be appreciated for its artistic and cultural value, offering insight into the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and the enduring appeal of supernatural themes in art.
