eKokuhou - Musée national Trésor nationaux Biens culturels importants. Hiroshige - Tokaido Road. Le theatre No. Edo-period monster paintings by Sawaki Suushi. In the sophisticated popular culture of the Edo period (1603-1868), much attention was devoted to Japan's rich pantheon of traditional monsters and apparitions, known as yokai. Sometimes frightening, sometimes humorous, these compelling Japanese folk creatures were the subject of numerous artistic and literary works. One such work was Hyakkai Zukan, a collection of picture scrolls completed in 1737 by Sawaki Suushi, a relatively unknown artist who studied under master painter Hanabusa Itcho (1702-1772). Hyakkai Zukan's colorful depictions of Japan's most notorious creatures inspired (and were copied by) yokai artists for generations. Here is a peek inside. Ushi-oni [Enlarge] Ushi-oni (lit. Ushi-oni is usually seen in connection with a related monster, called Nure-onna.
Nure-onna Nure-onna (lit. Uwan In ancient Aomori prefecture legends, Uwan is a disembodied voice that inhabits old, abandoned temples and homes. Nurarihyon (left), Mehitotsubou (right) Mikoshi-nyudo Yama-warau Inugami Ouni. Japanese Art Collection Highlights | Collections Online.