Comments - Fantastic depiction of the famous tale of the Demon of Oeyama, the horrible Shuten-doji, who kidnapped young beauties and held them hostage in his lair on Mt. Oe near Kyoto. The great warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu (also known as 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 - 14" x 29" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small loss, a few wormholes and small holes, repaired. Creasing, slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.