1890
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Japanese, 1839–1892
Japan
A samurai in a blue robe and full armor battles a large demon with red skin whom he has managed to pin to the ground, while a smiling Buddha statue looks on with approval. This print apparently illustrates an obscure legend, according to which the warrior had previously learned of strange happenings at a temple in Kai Province, where he had set up camp for the night. When he went to investigate, he encountered a group of spirits and goblins, the largest of which was in the form of a temple guardian, or niō. Once the large creature was defeated, the other apparitions, including dancing skeletons and moths, disappeared.
Color woodblock print