Oni or Demon Otsu-e

by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Current Status

Oni or Demon Otsu-e by Edo era artist (unsigned)

Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Oni or Demon Otsu-e

Comments - Interesting portrait of an oni or demon dressed as a priest, one of the standard Otsu-e characters. Otsu-e were traditional folk paintings sold to travelers during the Edo era in Otsu on Lake Biwa near Kyoto. They featured easily recognizable figures, such as the standard bearer, the Wisteria Maiden, an oni, and the samurai Benkei carrying a temple bell. A charming reprint of this classic Otsu-e figure.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Edo era artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 16" x 10 1/4"

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.

Oni or Demon Otsu-e by Edo era artist (unsigned)
Oni or Demon Otsu-e by Edo era artist (unsigned)

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