Seppuku Collection

Japanese gentleman preparing to perform Hara-kiri, 1850
3478348 Japanese gentleman preparing to perform Hara-kiri, 1850; (add.info.: Japanese gentleman preparing to perform Hara-kiri, a form of seppuku (or ritual suicide)

Minamoto no Yorimasa Preparing to Commit Suicide(He is not Danjo Matsunaga Hisahide), 1883
Minamoto no Yorimasa Preparing to Commit Suicide (He is not Danjo Matsunaga Hisahide), 1883. From Yoshitoshi's Warriors Trembling with Courage

Staged Seppuku Harakiri Ceremony - Japan
A (thankfully) staged Seppuku or Harakiri ceremony (from the late Edo period) of ritual suicide. A Japanese man has opened a cut in his abdomen in front of two witnesses

Mori Ranmaru Killed in Battle at Honnoji (Honnoji ni Mori Ranmaru uchijini no zu), from th... 1886. Creator: Yoshifuji
Mori Ranmaru Killed in Battle at Honnoji (Honnoji ni Mori Ranmaru uchijini no zu), from the series " The Record of Toyotomis Achievements (Toyotomi kunkoki)", 1886

Act 9 (Kyudanme), from the series "The Revenge of the Loyal Retainers (Chushingura)", c. 1834/39. In a snow-covered courtyard

The War in Eastern Asia, as depicted by a Chinese Artist (engraving)
1107694 The War in Eastern Asia, as depicted by a Chinese Artist (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The War in Eastern Asia)

SAIGO TAKAMORI (1827-1877). Japanese samurai. Depiction of Saigo committing seppuku during the Satsuma Rebellion; the actual circumstances of his death are unknown

Hari-kiri, (seppuku), staged

Yodanme, Act four [of the Kanadehon ChA'shingura]. Katsushika, Hokusai, 1760-1849, artist, [between 1804 and 1812], 1 print : woodcut, color; 22.4 x 17 cm

[A man or monk seated, seen from behind, holding a short dagger(?) in right hand, while meditating or contemplating seppuku], [between 1800 and 1850], 1 drawing

A man or monk seated, seen from behind, holding a short dagger(?) in right hand, while meditating or contemplating seppuku. Date between 1800 and 1850

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"Seppuku: The Ancient Ritual of Honor and Sacrifice in Japan" Step back in time to witness the solemnity and significance of seppuku, a ritualistic form of suicide practiced by samurais in feudal Japan. This staged ceremony, known as harakiri, holds immense cultural importance and is captured through various artistic depictions. One such portrayal is "Mori Ranmaru Killed in Battle at Honnoji, " an engraving from 1886 by Yoshifuji. It showcases the tragic fate of Mori Ranmaru during a historical event. Another artwork, "Act 9 (Kyudanme)" by Ando Hiroshige from the series "The Revenge of the Loyal Retainers (Chushingura), " offers a glimpse into this ancient practice's theatrical representation. As we delve deeper into history, we encounter an engraving titled "The War in Eastern Asia" created by a Chinese artist. This piece provides insight into how seppuku was perceived beyond Japanese borders. "The Hara-Kiri, " an unknown creator's work from 1891, sheds light on the intricacies involved in this profound act. Additionally, staged performances are highlighted through artworks like "Hari-kiri. " Renowned artists Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Kuniyasu contribute their talents to capture pivotal moments within seppuku ceremonies. Their works include acts four ("Yodanme") and six ("Rokudanme") from the famous play Kanadehon Chushingura. These captivating depictions serve as reminders that seppuku was not merely an act of self-destruction but rather a demonstration of unwavering loyalty and honor among samurais. Through these artworks spanning different periods, we gain insights into this ancient tradition that continues to intrigue us today.