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Nakano Takeko Most Popular Paintings

The 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 7 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Nakano Takeko · 1847 – 1868

Panel decorated with makie,

1964 · Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17027 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Writing box with design of wisteria in makie.

Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Tray with design of a bird in makie.

Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Table with design of Latin in saishitu.

1954 · Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17036 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Confectionery tray with design of grapevine in makie.

Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Box with design of flowers and birds in makie.

1932 · Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Box with design of auspicious birds in makie.

1940 · Wajima Museum of Urushi Art, Wajima

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Nakano Takeko

1847 – 1868

Quick facts

Copyright statusPublic domain
Museums on APSWajima Museum of Urushi Art
Also known asTakesono Jiko
Top 3 worksPanel decorated with makie,, Writing box with design of wisteria in makie., Tray with design of a bird in makie.
Color intensitymonochromatic, balanced
Top-ranked workPanel decorated with makie,
Lifespan21 years

Biography

Early Life and Family Background

Birth and Origins: Nakano Takeko, also known as Takesono Jiko, was born in Aizuwakamatsu, Japan, in April 1847.
Family Lineage: Her father, Nakano Heinai, held a senior official position within the Aizu Domain. Her mother was Nakano Kōko, and she had siblings – a sister named Masako (Yūko) and a brother named Toyoki.
Education and Upbringing: Takeko’s father was a scholar proficient in Japanese calligraphy and waka poetry, providing her with a cultured upbringing. She received education in martial arts from an early age alongside literary studies.

Martial Training and Artistic Pursuits

Martial Arts Mastery: Nakano Takeko excelled in martial arts, specifically the Hasso-Shoken style of naginatajutsu (the art of wielding a Japanese polearm). She became a skilled warrior.
Artistic Talent: Despite her renown as a warrior, Takeko also demonstrated artistic talent. She created *makie* lacquerware pieces, showcasing skill in this traditional Japanese technique.
Notable Artwork: Her artwork includes items such as a tray with a bird design, a writing box adorned with wisteria, and a confectionery tray featuring grapevine motifs. These are now part of the collection at the Wajima Museum of Urushi Art in Japan.

Role in the Boshin War and Legacy

Participation in Conflict: Nakano Takeko actively participated in the Boshin War, a civil conflict between supporters of the Tokugawa shogunate and those advocating for the Meiji emperor’s restoration.
Formation of the Jōshitai: During the Battle of Aizu, she led an ad hoc corps of female combatants known as the Jōshitai (Girls' Army). This unit fought independently despite initial resistance from domain officials.
Bravery and Dedication: She displayed exceptional bravery and dedication to her homeland during the war. Her actions inspired many, and she became a symbol of female empowerment.
Death in Battle: Nakano Takeko died on October 16, 1868, during the Boshin War, fighting for the Aizu Domain.

Historical Significance and Remembrance

Heroine of Aizu: Nakano Takeko is remembered as a heroine of the Aizu Domain. Her story has been retold through paintings, biographies, and other historical accounts.
Symbol of Female Empowerment: She represents female empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated society. Her courage and leadership continue to inspire.
Enduring Legacy: Her artwork remains admired by art lovers worldwide, while her martial prowess is celebrated as an example of strength and determination.

Artwork Collections

Tray with design of a bird in makie
Writing box with design of wisteria in makie
Confectionery tray with design of grapevine in makie
Table with design of Latin in saishitu
Box with design of auspicious birds in makie
Panel decorated with makie
Box with design of flowers and birds in makie

Questions & Answers

How do I find works by Nakano Takeko in a specific palette?

Nakano Takeko's works can be browsed by color palette on the artist's By Palettes page.

How do I find works by Nakano Takeko on a specific theme?

The By Keywords page of Nakano Takeko groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

How many artworks by Nakano Takeko are available to browse?

You can browse 7 artworks by Nakano Takeko on the All Artworks page.

Collector's quiz

Nakano Takeko is known for both her skills as a warrior and what other talent?
During which war did Nakano Takeko fight and ultimately die?
What was the name of the female warrior corps led by Nakano Takeko?
Nakano Takeko's artwork is primarily found on what type of objects?
From which domain did Nakano Takeko originate?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Nakano Takeko

Every artwork by Nakano Takeko in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Nakano Takeko