In this masterwork of Japanese folklore, chaos unfolds in the mansion of the hero Minamoto no Yorimitsu. From the shadows, a colossal earth spider, the Tsuchigumo, casts a web to ensnare the ailing lord. Around him, his loyal samurai retainers battle an army of yōkai, goblins and demons, conjured by the monster. Kuniyoshi fills every inch of the composition with dynamic action and intricate detail, creating a scene of overwhelming supernatural power.
The composition is defined by strong black linework, characteristic of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, set against the aged tones of the paper. Bursts of muted red and blue guide the eye through the turmoil, highlighting the figures and their desperate struggle. As wall art, this piece brings a powerful sense of narrative and historical drama to a space, inviting closer inspection of its many hidden scenes.
This print is a commanding centerpiece, well-suited for a living room, study, or hallway where its complex story can be appreciated. As a large canvas print above a sofa or console, it creates a dramatic focal point. It also serves as a cornerstone for a gallery wall dedicated to Japanese art, vintage illustrations, or mythological motifs.
Created in 1843 by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style, this work is a celebrated example of the warrior-and-folklore genre. This faithful recreation is printed to order on heavyweight, museum-grade matte paper using archival pigment inks for enduring color and detail. Each print is restored and certified by the Surrealium atelier at Kastellet, a 17th-century sea fortress in the Stockholm archipelago.