Recovering the Stolen Jewel from the Palace of the Dragon King 1615 - 1868

"Recovering the Stolen Jewel from the Palace of the Dragon King" is a woodblock print made by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 19th century Japan. It vividly illustrates a scene of bravery and chaos amidst tumultuous waves. Kuniyoshi’s print captures the popular narrative of a princess warrior who fearlessly dives into the Dragon King’s underwater palace to retrieve a stolen jewel. We see her surrounded by a phantasmagoric scene of battling figures including an octopus and a large green dragon, as the turbulent sea threatens to overwhelm them all. This print emerges from a time of social and political change in Japan when there was a renewed interest in national myths and legends. Kuniyoshi masterfully blends traditional themes with dynamic and innovative visual techniques, highlighting the strength and courage of a female protagonist challenging traditional gender roles. The powerful imagery reflects the complex interplay between myth, gender, and national identity during Kuniyoshi’s time. It is a testament to the artist's ability to create a compelling and visually stunning narrative.