A demon as a mendicant monk

Kawanabe Kyôsai, 1850 - 1889

A demon dressed as a mendicant monk is travelling to collect money for a temple, while calling on Buddha Amida in a loud voice. He is striking a wooden gong to announce his arrival. The motif is a metaphor for Buddhism’s power to save: even demons can change their ways. Although this depiction is probably an ironic portrayal of insincerity and pretended piety.

  • Artwork typehanging scroll
  • Object numberAK-RAK-2000-14
  • Dimensionsheight 127 cm x width 31 cm, height 193.8 cm x width 37.7 cm, width 435 mm, diameter 46 mm, diameter 26 mm, height 7.5 cm x width 46.7 cm x depth 8 cm
  • Physical characteristicsinkt in kleur

Identification

  • Title(s)

    A demon as a mendicant monk

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-RAK-2000-14

  • Description

    Een als bedelmonnik geklede duivel en een helper marcheren, boven elkaar uitgebeeld, naar links in het vlak. In houten doos.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • signature: ‘Shojo Kyosai’
    • seal

Creation

  • Creation

    painter: Kawanabe Kyôsai, Japan

  • Dating

    1850 - 1889

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    inkt in kleur

  • Dimensions

    • height 127 cm x width 31 cm
    • height 193.8 cm x width 37.7 cm
    • width 435 mm
    • diameter 46 mm
    • diameter 26 mm
    • height 7.5 cm x width 46.7 cm x depth 8 cm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Gift of Milne Henderson Fine Art Ltd, London

  • Acquisition

    gift 2000

  • Copyright


Documentation

  • Menno Fitski, 'Japan: bloesem, verlangen en krijgsgeweld: schilderingen', Aziatische Kunst 37/2 (2007), pp. 2-15.


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