Women Samurai
Japan’s female samurai warriors
Onna-bugeisha (女武芸者) were female samurai warriors trained in the use of weapons, horseback riding and martial arts.
Many noblewomen, particularly before the Edo period (1603–1868), were trained as skilled sword fighters and archers, with a duty to protect their households, families, and sense of honour, especially during times of war or when defending their homes.
Source: https://www.historydefined.net/onna-bugeisha/
Full disclosure: This artwork is my own composition; my first attempt at human portraiture. Although the proportions could be better I’ve learned to live in the moment, using each opportunity to explore new subjects and expand my repertoire. Sometimes the results falls short but that’s when I learn the most.
Comments
Pretty fierce-looking gal! I’d hate to meet her in a dark alley - might need to shimmy up a coconut tree myself, ladder or no ladder (WhatsApp comment on a childhood friends group where there is a standing joke about coconut trees and ladders)
This is a larger paper A3 size, which allows more details. The sketch was freestyle and my focus was her face - which is always a touchy because everyone has their own aesthetic of proportion and beauty
As you can see, it’s a start next up will be skin tones and shading. There’s always more to discover in the world of art. - Kieran
I just re-watched Mona Lisa Smile with Julia Robert’s, a fave of mine - for validation of your work, do watch it if you haven’t yet!
Much love, Xxo (WhatsApp comment from a dear artistic Cousin)
Female Samurai from the upper class were quite common until the Edo period shut it all down in favor of a patriarchal society 🥲 - Kieran
This girl is on fire (fire, fire)
This girl is on fire (fire)
She's walking on fire (fire, fire)
This girl is on fire (fire)
Everybody stares as she goes by
'Cause they can see the flame that's in her eyes
Watch her as she's lighting up the night
Nobody knows that she's a lonely girl
And it's a lonely world
But she gon' let it burn, baby, burn, baby
She is described in the Heike Monogatari, as follows, “A remarkably beautiful woman, fair-skinned, with long hair, and charming features. Also, she was a fearless rider, a peerless swordswoman, and performed deeds of valor that would shame the bravest samurai.” - Kieran
interesting… (WhatsApp from a childhood friend)