Momotarō Scattering Beans
1859
Yoshitoshi created this dynamic triptych around 1859 when he was just a young artist, showing the legendary hero Momotarō driving away a horde of terrifying demons by scattering roasted beans. This scene illustrates the traditional Japanese Setsubun festival, where people throw beans to ward off evil spirits and invite good luck for the coming year. The contrast is hilarious—while the red and blue demons on the left flee in absolute panic from the magical beans, the demons on the right are caught mid-snack with their sake and fish, seemingly oblivious to the chaos unfolding nearby.
- Technique
- woodblock print
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