Japan: Meiji Period woodblock print of the sorceress Takiyasha-hime, with her frog familiar and father, Taira-no-Masakado, in the inset. Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912),1884

Japan: Meiji Period woodblock print of the sorceress Takiyasha-hime, with her frog familiar and father, Taira-no-Masakado, in the inset. Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912),1884

Takiyasha-hime, whose name translates as 'waterfall demon princess' was the daughter of Taira-no-Masakado, a samurai who had risen up in a rebellion against the emperor and tried to set up his own court before being killed in 939 CE. Takiyasha survived the purge that followed, along with her brother Satsuki-hime, and the two of them began plotting their revenge, learning frog magic on Mount Tsukuba.

. They returned to the ruined family fortress of Soma Castle in Shimosa province, and began rebuilding their forces, bolstered by Takiyasha's raised army of yokai (demons/spirits). However, they were eventually defeated by the efforts of the warrior Oya-no-Taro Mitsukuni. Mitsukini battled through Takiyasha's forces and eventually cut her down, ending her short rebellion before it could truly begin.

. Takiyasha's story became popular during the Edo Period, and has been depicted in various novels, woodblock prints and kabuki dramas.

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3531 x 5100 px | 51.5 MB

29.9 x 43.2 cm | 11.8 x 17.0 in (300 dpi)