This piece captures a pivotal moment from Japanese folklore: the legend of Kuzunoha. The scene depicts the fox spirit Kuzunoha, who assumed human form to marry a mortal man. Here, she prepares to return to the wild, writing a farewell poem with a brush held in her mouth as her young son, the future master diviner Abe no Seimei, looks on. The composition is intimate and dramatic, focusing on the poignant act of departure.
The palette of deep blues, teals, muted reds, and warm parchment tones creates a sense of nocturnal mystery and quiet longing. These rich, narrative colours bring a thoughtful and mythic mood to a room, creating a focal point that invites contemplation and conversation.
A classic work of ukiyo-e art, this vertical print is well-suited for a dedicated space on a narrow wall or as a striking anchor piece in a gallery wall arrangement. It complements living rooms, studies, or bedrooms with classic, eclectic, or minimalist decor, adding a layer of historical storytelling to the space.
Originally created in 1852 by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, a renowned master of the ukiyo-e woodblock style, this work is a testament to his skill in portraying mythical and historical tales. Our archival reproduction is printed to order on heavyweight, matte museum-grade paper with pigment inks for lasting depth and detail. Each piece is digitally restored and certified by the Surrealium atelier at Kastellet, a 17th-century sea fortress in the Stockholm archipelago.