Shoki, the Demon Queller, and his Sister
Artist
Kawanabe Kyōsai
(Japanese, 1831 - 1889)
GeographyJapan
Mediumink and colors on silk
Dimensions88 cm x 34.6 cm
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Morgan, Jr., 1982 (5055.1)
Object number5055.1
DescriptionThe usually more dignified Shoki is here shown as a vulnerable suitor, helping a young courtesan support her umbrella as she makes her way through the light rain on her high getas. The Oni or demon who is usually the Queller's target and the victim of her pranks and torments, has also been subdued by the beauty and hobbles obsequously behind his clawed feet, carrying a pipe and sack. The black ink is applied in a variety of weights, from the finest of hair lines to bold axe strokes, and is used as a wash, supplememnted by the chalky white of the courtesan's skin, the ruddy colors of the other's flesh, and red brown, deeper brown and blue washed depicting the many patterned textiles of the three's costumes.On View
Not on viewCollections
