Queen Himiko

Queen Himiko of Japan.  The first ruler of Japan, maybe.  According to legend and Chinese historical accounts that is.  Himiko ruled around 200 BC.  Maybe.  (Followed by a number of female empresses.)

Since little is known about her, I decided to take creative license.  I modeled her a bit after the Japanese goddess Amaterasu, the sun goddess and chief deity of the Shinto faith.  I also wanted her to appear quite wealthy.  From what I understand, Queen Himiko was a very firm ruler.  And apparently a sorceress?  I'm sure she had a dark side but I doubt she was really a witch. xD

Red was of course and important Imperial color.  (It also has a darker or evil connotation, relating to disease.)  But in this case I intended for the Imperial theme.  As well as Amaterasu and the sun serving as themes as well.  The rays between the red are gold metallic paint, and in the right light they are quite vibrant.

Like most of my art, this I did for fun.  ^_^

Justin Latimer, 2013