Yōkai ghosts: by the great masters of Japanese woodblock printing

Abstract

Yōkai ghosts are a significant aspect of Japanese culture. In turns terrifying, playful and mischievous, they can take the form of malevolent spirits, seeking a place in the afterlife, or shapeshifters tricking humans with wisdom and sometimes cruelty. This unique book includes 150 striking images by Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro and others, that capture the essence of yōkai folklore with stunning detail and evocative imagery. Filled with colored reproductions, each of the book's chapters focuses on a specific spirit or type. There's the specter of Oiwa, her face distorted by poison, as depicted by Hokusai; Toyohara Kunichika's haunting interpretation of Okiku, a tragic ghost with a tale of betrayal and revenge; and Yoshitoshi's dramatic image of a samurai bravely confronting a hideous ghost. Throughout the book, readers will discover how the intricate details of woodblock prints allowed artists to exaggerate features and create dramatic effects that enhanced the portrayal of yōkai. These prints also reveal aspects of daily life, folklore, and spiritual beliefs of the period, offering a window into Japan's history and pointing to the origins of manga, horror films, and literature. Fans of Japanese folklore, supernatural art, and anime enthusiasts alike will delight in this beautiful edition.

Contents

Gate of the underworld -- Autopsy on a revenant -- Okiku -- Otsuyu -- Ubume -- Noh -- Funayūrei -- Yuki-onna -- Oiwa, the face of death -- Kasane -- Heads that fly -- The smile of death -- Hannya -- Demons of the battlefield -- Kohada Koheiji -- Images of two interlaced worlds.