Minamoto No Yorimasa Slaying The Nue
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Katsukawa Shunsho's Minamoto No Yorimasa Slaying The Nue into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
The hauntingly dramatic woodblock print Minamoto no Yorimasa Slaying the Nue by Katsukawa Shunsho (1726–1792) transports viewers to a pivotal moment in Japanese legend. The artwork captures the 12th-century warrior Yorimasa mid-combat with the mythical nue—a chimera-like creature—under a tempestuous night sky, illuminated only by the flare of torches. Shunsho’s mastery of ukiyo-e is evident in the dynamic composition: Yorimasa’s taut posture contrasts with the nue’s serpentine chaos, while the inky gradients and intricate linework heighten the supernatural tension. Created during the Edo period’s golden age of printmaking, this piece exemplifies musha-e (warrior prints), blending Kabuki-inspired theatricality with historical storytelling. Though less renowned than Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s later monster depictions, Shunsho’s work is a critical bridge between early ukiyo-e narrative traditions and the 19th-century explosion of fantastical subjects. The print’s cultural weight lies in its vivid retelling of a Heian-era folktale, immortalized through the artist’s precise yet expressive style.
For displaying this striking artwork, consider a study or executive office where its dramatic energy can spark conversation. A traditional tokonoma alcove with dark-stained wood framing would honor its Edo-period roots, while a minimalist black float frame suits modern interiors. Ideal wall colors include deep indigo or oxidized bronze to amplify the print’s moonlit atmosphere—avoid bright whites that may dilute its eerie glow. At roughly 25x37 cm (standard ōban size), it commands attention without overwhelming; place it as a solitary focal point or alongside other musha-e prints in a staggered gallery wall. Pair with rustic iron lanterns or a tansu chest to reinforce its feudal Japanese context, but balance with clean-lined furniture to prevent visual clutter. The print’s rich blacks and ochre accents harmonize seamlessly with natural materials like shou sugi ban wood or woven tatami mats. For lighting, directional LED spots will accentuate the intricate carvings without UV damage, transforming any space into a gateway to Japan’s mythical past.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
