The Warrior Woman Hangaku Gozen in Kamakura Japan: Toyokuni III's Famous Biographies of Women, 1862

Toyokuni III Hangaku Gozen

Print

Female martial heroism woodblock print from the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate, published in 1862 as part of Utagawa Toyokuni III's illustrated series Kokon Meifu Den (古今名婦伝), translated as "Famous Biographies of Women of Past and Present." The present sheet portrays Hangaku Gozen (板額女, more commonly 板額御前), the celebrated woman warrior who fought in the Kennin Rebellion of 1201. Commanding several thousand defenders at Torisaka Castle on behalf of the Taira loyalists, Hangaku became one of the few women in medieval Japanese history remembered for leading troops in battle. Her military reputation endured through chronicles, warrior tales, Kabuki, and nineteenth century ukiyo-e, where she joined Tomoe Gozen among the best known female exemplars of courage and martial resolve.

Toyokuni III (Utagawa Kunisada, 1786–1865). Kokon Meifu Den: Hangaku Gozen (古今名婦伝　板額女, "Famous Biographies of Women of Past and Present: Hangaku Gozen"). Edo, 1862 (Bunkyū 2). Full-color nishiki-e woodblock print, approximately 9.5" x 13.5". The print depicts Hangaku Gozen standing indoors beside a flowering peony arrangement, dressed in richly patterned robes while gripping a sheathed sword. The accompanying text recounts her defense of Torisaka Castle, describing her exceptional skill with the bow and her steadfast resistance against Kamakura forces before her capture. Rather than portraying her in armor amid combat, Toyokuni presents the heroine in an elegant domestic setting, balancing feminine refinement with unmistakable symbols of martial authority. The series title panel, publisher's cartouche, artist's signature, and censor and date seals remain visible. Issued only a few years before the Meiji Restoration, Kokon Meifu Den belongs to a broader revival of historical biography in late Edo popular publishing, when publishers increasingly celebrated women whose loyalty, learning, political influence, or military accomplishments embodied Confucian ideals of virtue. Hangaku Gozen occupied a distinctive place within that tradition because contemporary readers recognized her as a historical commander rather than a literary invention. Toyokuni's interpretation emphasizes that dual identity, presenting her simultaneously as an accomplished woman of culture and a warrior whose fame rested upon leadership in one of medieval Japan's most famous rebellions Backed with paper; possible trimming at margins; some soiling; scattered worm-eaten holes and small losses; light surface wear. Print remains mostly clean and colors vibrant. Overall good condition. A late Edo interpretation of one of Japan's best known female military commanders, reflecting nineteenth century interest in medieval warrior women through the mature ukiyo-e tradition.

Item #23619

Price: $2,850.00