Japanese Print "Mashiba Dairyo" by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Artist:Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title:Mashiba Dairyo
Date:2nd month 1865
Details:More information...
Source:Worcester Art Museum
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Description:
In kabuki theater, ”Hisayoshi” obliquely referred to the historical warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–98). The representation of historical figures was a sensitive issue for the shogun’s government of the Edo period (1603–1868), who were concerned about how it could be used to reflect negatively upon the current administration. One tale of Hideyoshi recounts his visit to the holy site Mt. Kōya, where his refusal to keep the vow of silence provoked the resident deity, Kūkai (also the founder of esoteric Buddhism), to enact vengeance by a thunderstorm. Hideyoshi remained steadfast. The iron red pigment used for the lightning bolts has oxidized, turning black.
