greedy old woman opens box of demons (The Greedy Hag), 月岡芳年 Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Archive Label date unknown: The story told in this print concerns an evil old woman who cut the tongue out of a little sparrow. Another elderly woman healed the bird and was invited to the sparrows' house as a result of this kind deed. After expressing their gratitude, the sparrows offered the woman a choice of one of three boxes placed before her. Being a humble person, she modestly chose the smallest box and took it home. When she opened it, she found it to be full of treasure. The evil old woman heard of this marvelous gift and became very jealous. Hoping to increase her own fortune, she caught another sparrow and cut it's tongue out! This time, however, she healed the bird and was therefore invited to visit the sparrows' house. After thanking her, the sparrows offered, as before, a choice of three boxes to her. Being quite greedy, she chose the largest box and hurried home with it. When she opened her "prize" she found that it was full of monsters and strange creatures instead of the treasures that she sought. She was repaid, therefore, for her greediness. Archive Label date unknown: Yoshitoshi's print illustrates the climax of the popular folktale, "The Tongue-cut Sparrow." The inscription reads: "Her greed made the old woman choose a heavy basket. Out of her mean spirit, she carried the tongue-cut sparrow's basket for a thousand miles. This mysterious old tale still rings in children's ears; fiendish hearts are attacked by horrible creatures. This illustrated story shall exemplify the idea of reproving vice and rewarding virtue." After cutting off the tongue off the sparrow, a greedy old woman visited the bird's home after her husband returned with a small box of treasures. She, however, chose the largest box, which was full of demons.