Shoki, the Demon Queller, 1896 - by Zeshin (1807 - 1891) - Japanese Woodblock Print
Terrific image of Shoki, the Demon Queller, a Chinese deity that originally protected the emperor from evil demons. During the Edo era, it became popular to hang images of Shoki during the Boys' Day Festival to ward off malevolent spirits. Here, Shoki glares at a red horned demon running from him in fright, the wind blowing Shoki's beard and hair. He wears a gray robe and a black cap, holding the end of a weapon in his hand. A bold image with the circular inset set off by a dramatic red orange background. A great lively design. A posthumous printing.