Kozō Kiritarō, Young Priest of the Tengus 1866

"Kozō Kiritarō, Young Priest of the Tengus" was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, an artist working in Japan during a period of rapid modernization and social upheaval. This woodblock print reflects the interest in folklore and legend that gained traction during the Meiji era. Yoshitoshi presents us with a vivid scene which merges the human and supernatural worlds. Kozō Kiritarō is depicted as a powerful figure surrounded by Tengu, mountain goblins known for their mischievous nature. This depiction may symbolize the artist's own struggle with societal change and the search for identity within a shifting cultural landscape. Yoshitoshi's life was marked by personal and professional turmoil. He witnessed firsthand the decline of traditional Japanese art forms. The artist, struggling with mental health, turned to the depiction of ghost and warrior stories, to convey a sense of cultural anxiety. In this piece, the artist offers us a glimpse into a world where boundaries blur and identities are fluid, inviting us to contemplate the complexities of our own place in a rapidly changing world.