This complete set of "The Twelve Zodiac Signs with Heroes" (circa 1868) pairs each of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac with a corresponding Japanese warrior hero, a format that combined astrological imagery with the heroic [musha-e](/glossary/musha-e) tradition. Yoshitoshi produced the series at a moment of intense creative output, when he was designing dozens of warrior prints annually. The pairing of animal symbolism with human heroism allowed him to explore correspondences between natural and martial power that would remain a recurring theme throughout his career.
1888
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Complete set of the series: The Twelve Zodiac Signs with Heroes was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in c. 1868.
Complete set of the series: The Twelve Zodiac Signs with Heroes depicts mythology, warriors, and animals.
Complete set of the series: The Twelve Zodiac Signs with Heroes measures 5.7 × 0.6 cm (Oban format).
