Shöki Quelling Two Demons
Artist
Shibata Zeshin
(Japanese, 1807–1891)
Dateca. 1873-1891
GeographyJapan
MediumColors and lacquer on paper
Dimensions43 x 15 1/4 in. (109.2 x 38.7 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of The James Edward and Mary Louise O'Brien Collection, 1977 (4600.1)
Object number4600.1
DescriptionStrong colors and lacquer on paper mounted as hanging scroll, blue and gold brocade. The ruddy complexioned Shoki (Japanese version of the Chinese demon-queller, Chung Kuei) is traditionally costumed in severe black and white and is a towering monolithic figure set in opposition to the contorted, brilliantly colored red and blue oni, who are dressed in gold, green, deep blue and brown costumes with swirling scarves. The stroke of the signature dates the work to the 1870’s or 1880’s. The shin seal is the one that Zeshin’s son, Reisai, reports his father carved himself with meticulous workmanship.On View
On viewCollections
Kawanabe Kyōsai
Anonymous
Mid-late 12th century
Late 19th- early 20th C.
