bearded man in green robe holding a sword in one hand and holding a bag of demons aloft in the other hand; eyes, feet, claws, fur of demons spilling out of bag; writing in black ink and red seal BL; border of dark green fabric with gold floral pattern; green-gold fabric border top and bottom; bone roller at bottom; housed in plain wooden lidded box with 2 paper labels with writing on one end

Shōki, the Demon Queller, late 19th century

Shōki, the powerful demon slayer (a figure from Chinese mythology), was a frequent motif in Japan, especially during Boy’s Day, a holiday celebrating the health and happiness of boys. Kawanabe Kyōsui, who played a pioneering role in carving out space for female artists, depicted him here holding up a bag with two captured demons. Kawanabe Kyōsui was the daughter of Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–1889), whose painting Wisteria Maiden and Demon Priest is hanging nearby.

Details
Title
Shōki, the Demon Queller
Artist Life
1868 - 1935
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2022.72
Curator Approved

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bearded man in green robe holding a sword in one hand and holding a bag of demons aloft in the other hand; eyes, feet, claws, fur of demons spilling out of bag; writing in black ink and red seal BL; border of dark green fabric with gold floral pattern; green-gold fabric border top and bottom; bone roller at bottom; housed in plain wooden lidded box with 2 paper labels with writing on one end