Shoki, the Demon-Queller, Okumura Masanobu

Archive Label 2003: This print presents a powerful image of Shoki that bursts beyond the edges of the print surface as the figure’s gaze focuses on something just outside our view. The legend of Shoki and his images originated in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907) and became hugely popular in Japan during the latter part of the Edo period (1600-1868). In one version of the legend, in his anger at having failed to enter the civil service, Shoki (Ch. Zhong Kuei), killed himself on the steps of the imperial palace. He was granted the status of an official posthumously and in gratitude his spirit vowed to protect the emperor from demons. In Japan he becomes a more general gaurdian against evil spirits and is particularly associated with Boy’s Day as a symbol of masculine and protective strength. Images of him alone, or chasing demons, were hung to ward off evil. Archive Label date unknown: The early woodblock print artist Masanobu created this arresting image of Shoki, utilizing the tall narrow format of a "hashira-e" (pillar print). The dramatic format serves to heighten the imposing nature of the demon queller as he fills the narrow space and bulges beyond its borders. By not reducing the figure to fit within the print, Masanobu has effectively captured the fleeting quality of Shoki's movement in mid-stride, with one great black boot placed at the bottom of the print.