Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts

by Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Current Status

Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts by Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Original Ginko (active 1874 - 1897) Japanese Woodblock Print
Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts

Series; History Pictures (Rekishi-e), 1896

Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts - 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 behind an altar, raising a bell and chanting his curses as rats begin to scamper down from the platform on which he sits. Embers from the fire fill the air. A terrific image from this fascinating legend.

Artist - Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Image Size - 8 1/4" x 12 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Vertical wrinkle at center, a few repairs and creases, rubbing and staining at edges. Please see photos for details.

Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts by Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)
Rat: Priest Raigo of Mii Temple Transformed by Wicked Thoughts by Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

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