This 1876 portrait presents Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the brilliant commoner-general who unified Japan in the 1580s after the death of Oda Nobunaga. Depicted here likely in middle age at the height of his power, Hideyoshi's distinctive features—his narrow eyes, prominent cheekbones, and legendary small stature—were well-established in popular imagery. Yoshitoshi produced numerous historical portraits of great commanders during the 1870s as Meiji-era audiences sought to reconcile Japan's martial past with its rapidly modernizing present.
1888
Color woodblock print; oban
n.d.
Color woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡芳年) in 1876.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi depicts figures, warriors, and portraits.
