{"product_id":"mg1534-yoshitoshi-saigo-takamori-about-to-commit-seppuku-japanese-woodblock-print","title":"Yoshitoshi - Saigo Takamori About to Commit Seppuku","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1877\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Okura Magohei\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre: \u003c\/strong\u003eUkiyo-e, Musha-e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedium: \u003c\/strong\u003eWoodblock Print. Triptych: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e35cm x 23cm\/sheet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print represents the final moments of Saigō Takamori after his defeat at Kagoshima in 1877. He is shown seated in a boat with his jacket opened, positioned before a dagger in preparation for seppuku. In the distance, flashes of lightning illuminate the night sky over the sea, while the waves are rendered with pronounced movement, reinforcing the atmosphere of upheaval and finality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scene reflects a romanticized interpretation of Saigō’s death. Modern historical research indicates that he was seriously wounded during the last engagement and likely did not perform formal seppuku in this composed manner. Some accounts suggest he was assisted in death by a retainer. The print therefore presents an idealized conclusion, aligning Saigō with established conventions of samurai honor rather than documenting the probable circumstances of his death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoshitoshi’s treatment suggests a degree of sympathy toward Saigō, who led the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government. By framing his death as a ritual act of resolve and dignity, the artist transforms a recent political conflict into a scene structured by longstanding warrior ideals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Good color. Creases and some staining as shown. Partially backed. Sheets are separated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mie Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43445200945230,"sku":"MG1534","price":556.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0095\/7602\/2094\/files\/IMG_2026_01_25_11_22_20_837.jpg?v=1771021656","url":"https:\/\/miegallery.com\/en-de\/products\/mg1534-yoshitoshi-saigo-takamori-about-to-commit-seppuku-japanese-woodblock-print","provider":"Mie Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}