The Tale of Zegaibō
Titles
- Zegaibō emaki
- 是害房絵巻
Artist
Anonymous
Date15th century
GeographyJapan
MediumInk and color on paper
Dimensions26.9 x 692.7 cm (10 9/16 x 272 11/16 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Philip E. Spalding and Mrs. Theodore A. Cooke, 1954 (1925.1)
Object number1925.1
Description“The Tale of Zegaibo.” Zegaibo Emakimono, painted in ink and color on paper. Pictures of Tengu (long-nosed goblins) and priests in colors with calligraphy. Ivory ends to rollers, back of paper with decorative designs of horizontal lines and dots in black and gold. Brocade cover and bird designs on all-over fret ground.Once upon a time Zegaibo was chief of the long-nosed goblins in China. In Japan he met Nichira-bo of the Atagoyama in Kyoto, a Japanese long-nosed goblin. Proud of the efficacy of prayer of the Chinese Buddhists, he asked Nichira-bo if there were such high priests in Japan who might rank with those in China. Nichira-bo became angry and took Zegaibo to the Hieizan Monastery. Here Zegaibo had bitter experiences, his nose was broken and he was attacked by disease. Symphathising with him, the long-nosed goblins of the Monastery took him to the River Kamo for baths to ensure his recovery. When he was well, Zegaibo repented his past errors and returned to China, grateful for the kindness of the Japanese goblins.
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