DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUSHA-E GENRE DURING THE MEIJI ERA (1868–1912)

Abstract

The article examines the previously unexplored issue of the transformation of the musha-e, a historical-heroic genre of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, during the Meiji period. The essence of musha-e was the depiction of prominent people, mostly warriors of the past. Using the work of Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) as an example, the article identifies the stylistic foundations of the musha-e genre in the preceding Edo era (1603-1868): illustrative and narrative tendencies, theatrical expressiveness. Transition to the new unique artistic findings could be traced through the works of Meiji era masters such as Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892), Mizuno Toshikata (1866-1908), and Migita Toshihide (1862–1925). Psychologism and solemn temperance become prevalent instead of theatrical emotionality in characters’ interpretation. Characteristic of the Edo era flat stylization came to a lesser extent; its place was taken by anatomical accuracy, volume, and a realistic approach. Artists began using the perspective; the conditional character of space in ukiyo-e was supplanted by volume and depth. Theses about sources of artistic inspiration are brought up in the article, such as the traditional school of painting nanga, and western art. The context in which changes were happening is marked: the emergence of national consciousness and the westernization of society at the same time. Transformation of the subject matter of musha-e prints is also explored. New characters appear, besides the hero-warriors of the past. Artists depicted prominent contemporaries and even people who showed their valor in peaceful life, outside of the battlefield. Musha-e prints placed the emphasis on guidance and psychologism rather than narration and illustration of a particular moment.

Keywords

Ukiyo-e print; Japanese print; musha-e genre; historical-heroic genre; Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861); Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892); Migita Toshihide (1862–1925); Mizuno Toshikata (1866–1908); Meiji era; Edo period; nanga; senso-e genre;

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НАУЧНЫЕ ТРУДЫ
Санкт-Петербургской
академии художеств

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE MUSHA-E GENRE DURING THE MEIJI ERA (1868–1912) // . СПб. : СПб. акад. художеств, 2026. с. C. . https://doi.org/10.62625/2782-1889.2026.77.77.009

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