The Wicked Thoughts of the Priest Raigō of Miidera Transform Him into a Rat
1891
Yoshitoshi captures a wild moment from Japanese folklore where the furious Priest Raigō transforms into a giant, man-sized rat. Dressed in bright orange robes, this monstrous rat-man gnaws furiously on sacred scrolls while a swarm of smaller rats scurries around his feet and climbs the wooden pillar behind him. This print is part of Yoshitoshi's famous 'New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts' series, showcasing his talent for blending the supernatural with everyday life in late 19th-century Japan. The priest's transformation was said to be the result of his wicked thoughts and anger after being denied a prestigious position.
- Technique
- woodblock print
- Material
- paper
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