The Earth Spider slain by the hero Raikos retainers (944-1021) Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861)

The triptych presents a dramatic narrative unfolding across three distinct panels, unified by a consistent color palette and dynamic composition. The overall impression is one of intense action and heroic struggle against a monstrous adversary.
In the leftmost panel, figures are engaged in close-quarters combat within a rugged, mountainous landscape. A sense of urgency pervades this scene; warriors, clad in traditional garb and armed with swords and what appears to be a chain weapon, confront an unseen threat lurking amongst the rocks and foliage. The color scheme here is dominated by cool blues and greens, suggesting a somber atmosphere and emphasizing the perilous nature of their undertaking. A swirling motion, implied through the positioning of the figures and the brushstrokes depicting the terrain, conveys movement and chaos.
The central panel depicts the apex of the conflict. Here we see a colossal spider-like creature dominating the composition. Its immense size is emphasized by its disproportionate scale relative to the surrounding environment and the warriors attempting to subdue it. The creature’s form is rendered with intricate detail, highlighting its menacing features – multiple eyes, sharp mandibles, and bristling legs. A dark, almost oppressive atmosphere hangs over this panel, achieved through the use of deep blacks and browns that obscure much of the background. The spiders web, a complex network of lines, visually traps both the creature and those who confront it.
The rightmost panel shifts to a more triumphant tone. Two figures stand prominently, seemingly victorious after the battle. One is depicted in a posture of authority, his arm raised as if signaling victory or offering a blessing. The other figure appears to be assisting him, perhaps tending to an injury. Behind them, a stylized representation of what could be celestial bodies or symbolic banners adds a layer of grandeur and reinforces the sense of accomplishment. A lighter color scheme – incorporating yellows and whites – contrasts sharply with the darkness of the central panel, signifying hope and renewal following the ordeal.
Subtly woven into the narrative is a commentary on courage and sacrifice. The warriors’ determination in the face of overwhelming odds suggests themes of loyalty and duty. The monstrous spider likely represents not only a physical threat but also symbolic obstacles – perhaps societal corruption or internal demons that must be overcome to achieve a greater good. The triptychs structure itself, with its progression from conflict to resolution, reinforces this narrative arc, inviting the viewer to contemplate the cyclical nature of struggle and triumph.