Souvenir Print from Ōtsu; Benkei with Weaponry and a Demon with a Samisen
late 18th century
Legendary warrior monk Benkei stands loaded for battle with swords and a giant halberd on his back, yet he seems more interested in the wild-haired demon strumming a shamisen at his feet. This quirky pairing is a tribute to 'Otsu-e,' humorous folk art sold as cheap souvenirs to travelers along Japan's highways in the Edo period. Although Utamaro is famous for painting elegant courtesans, here he adopts the rough, bold lines of street art to capture a moment where a fierce samurai and a monster share a musical break.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper
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