Vrouwelijke krijger Tomoe Gozen in harnas met zwaard op paard 1770 - 1780

Kitao Shigemasa created this woodblock print of Tomoe Gozen, a female warrior, sometime before his death in 1820. This image invites us to consider the role of women in Japanese society and the ways in which their stories have been shaped by cultural and institutional forces. Tomoe Gozen was a historical figure known for her bravery and skill in battle during the Genpei War in the 12th century. Shigemasa presents her in full samurai armor, mounted on a horse, and brandishing a spear. In the Edo period, when this print was made, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal military government. Although women were generally excluded from positions of power, the stories of female warriors like Tomoe Gozen persisted in popular culture and inspired artistic expression. Art historians often consult historical records, literature, and other cultural artifacts to better understand the context in which an artwork was created. By doing so, we can gain insights into the social and political forces that shaped its meaning and significance.