絵本武者鞋|Picture Book of the Warriors' Sandals (Ehon musha waraji) 絵本武者鞋

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan *Picture Book of the Warriors'als* (*Ehon musha waraji*), a charming woodblock-printed book by Kitao Shigemasa prefaced in 1787 (Tenmei 7). Measuring a compact 10 7/16 × 7 1/16 inches, this ink-and-color-on-paper volume exemplifies the *ehon* tradition—ordable illustrated books that brought art to everyday readers. Shigemasa, a ukiyo-e artist for his lively genre scenes and precise illustrations, infuses the pages with dynamic depictions of soldiers, swords, and men, centered on the humble yet iconic warriors' sandals (*waraji*). Woodblock printing, a hallmark of Japanese artistry during the Edo period (1615–1868), allowed for bold colors and fine details produced in multiples, democratizing visual culture amid a time of relative peace and urban flourishing. This technique's significance lies in its ability to capture movement and texture, turning everyday warrior gear into subjects of fascination—perhaps with a touch of humor or exaggeration typical of the era's playful *musha-e* (warrior pictures). Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, this rare purchase from the Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation Gift offers a window into samurai lore reimagined through footwear, blending historical reverence with artistic whimsy for all ages.

About the Artist

Kitao Shigemasa 北尾重政 (Japanese) · 1739 –1820

Japanese, 1739–1820