Kiyohime, Emerging from the Hidaka River, Turning into a Serpent 1865

Here is Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s woodblock print of Kiyohime, a woman scorned, transforming into a serpent. This print comes from a series called "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon," created in Japan during the late 19th century. Yoshitoshi captures a pivotal moment in the tragic tale of Kiyohime, consumed by unrequited love for a traveling priest. Kiyohime is shown wading through the Hidaka River, her expression a mix of anguish and resolve, signaling her metamorphosis. The artist uses rich colors and dynamic lines to convey the emotional turmoil and supernatural transformation. Her hair and robe flow wildly around her figure. Yoshitoshi, living in a time of intense social and cultural change, often explored themes of love, loss, and transformation through the lens of folklore and mythology. Here, he challenges traditional depictions of women, presenting Kiyohime not just as a victim but as a powerful figure. Her transformation becomes a potent symbol of female rage and the destructive consequences of societal expectations placed on women's desires. The print evokes a deep sense of empathy for Kiyohime, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of love, gender, and power.