Comments - Fantastic illustration of the famous tale of the Priest Raigo of Mii Temple. Through Raigo's prayers, a male heir was born to the Emperor Shirakawa, who promised Raigo anything he wanted in return. However, the priest requested a raised prayer platform only granted to warrior monks, so the emperor refused. The infuriated priest returned to Mii Temple where he starved himself and cursed the emperor. After dying, his vengeful spirit changed into thousands of rats that destroyed the sacred books of the temple. He appears here sitting atop an enormous stone rat, chanting his curses as rats begin to scamper down from his hand. He holds a bell high in his other hand, his long beard flowing over his chest. A red flame flickers in the dark sky beside him, a sign of a supernatural occurrence. A terrific image from this fascinating legend.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 14 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. A few small holes repaired from reverse. A few spots in margins. Please see photos for detials. Nice overall.