Paintings: Pre 1920

 Honda Tenjo (1867-1946) - Shoki the Demon Queller

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PRICE : $800  

ARTIST :
The painting is the work of Tenjo. Honda Tenjo (1867-1946) graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts where he studied under Hashimoto Gaho and Kano Hogai. He later went on the teach at the same school. He specialized in landscapes and depictions of people. He exhibited with a number of different painting groups throughout his active career. See Roberts p.49.

AGE :
earlier 20th century

SIZE :
The image measures 38'' by 10'' (96 by 26 cm). The scroll measures 72'' by 15'' (183 by 38.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION :
The figure of Shoki sama riding on the back of a tiger in pursuit of demons. His large drawn sword, untamed beard and scholars cap underscore both his ferocity and his foreignness. The artist's agile and varied brushstrokes effortlessly depict the speed, willingness and perhaps enjoyment with which the two approach their mission of slaying demons. The Japanese often adopted characters of Chinese legend as cult figures. Among the most popular characters was Shōki the Demon Queller, whose ghost came to Tang-dynasty emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712–756) in a dream and saved the ruler by vanquishing a demon that was making him ill. During the Edo period in Japan (1600-1868), families began to hang banners depicting Shōki inside and outside of their houses during the Boys' Day festival. Boys' Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar year. According to tradition, this is a day when evil spirits and bad luck abounds. Images of Shōki ward off danger from the homes of families with male children.

TECHNIQUE :
ink on silk

CONDITION :
Good, original condition. There is a thin line of discoloration in the upper right field.