woman in multi-colored kimono standing on back of demon figure who is on all fours; the woman is reaching up into a tree

Wisteria Maiden and Demon Priest, c. 1872

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This comical juxtaposition of the beauty and the beast pairs two popular characters from folk paintings sold as souvenirs. The Wisteria Maiden steps on the back of a demon priest to pull a branch of wisteria, ignoring his rapturous gaze and using him as no more than a footstool.

This scroll was formerly in the collection of Josiah Conder (1789–1859), the “father of western-style architecture in Japan,” who became a pupil of Kyōsai.

Details
Title
Wisteria Maiden and Demon Priest
Artist Life
1831 - 1889
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.29.159
Provenance
Josiah Conder Topper Art, Toronto until 3/2001 Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture, 1995-2015
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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woman in multi-colored kimono standing on back of demon figure who is on all fours; the woman is reaching up into a tree