Comments - Fantastic triptych from the legendary tale of the Demon of Oeyama, the horrible Shutendoji, who kidnapped young beauties and held them hostage in his lair on Mt. Oe near Kyoto. The great warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) and his men traveled to the demon's hideout in order to kill him. After lulling him into a drunken stupor, Raiko has just cut off the monster's head with his sword. The severed demon's head flies through the air, still snarling ferociously, its yellow eyes bulging as it floats above the hero. At right, two of Raiko's men hold the muscular arms of the giant, the enormous body sprawling across the floor. An incredible scene from this great legend with a dramatic natural setting, the curving lines of the rocky cave echoing the swirling lines of the horned demon's whirling hair. Beautifully shaded and detailed. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A classic samurai subject.

Artist - Yoshitora (active circa 1840 - 1880)

Image Size - 29 1/4" x 14 1/4"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. A couple creases and some wrinkling in subject. A few small holes and some losses repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.