Collection Clearance: Old "Shu-gaki Shoki-zu" (Painting of Shoki in Red) - A Folk Art for Warding Off Epidemics and Evil Spirits

Title: Old Vermilion-Painted Shoki-zu (Image of Shoki)
Signed Toyokuni, but believed not to be by Toyokuni.
Size: 45 x 16 cm (Fan surface)
Condition: Generally good
Period: Late Edo to Meiji period and later
Frame: Included. Japanese painting frame, 67 x 58 x 5 cm

① Origin of Vermilion-Painted Shoki-zu
Originates from the legendary Chinese figure, Shoki. Shoki is said to have appeared in the dream of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and vanquished demons. Subsequently, in China, he came to be worshipped as a demon-warding deity. This belief is thought to have been introduced to Japan around the Heian period.

② Role in Japan
Onmyodo concept of disease (resentful spirits/demons = cause of illness)
Diseases like smallpox and measles were considered the work of demons/plague gods. Shoki = a being that eats demons → repels illness.
Shoki as a martial deity and guardian of the gate.
Exorcism customs such as Tango no Sekku (Children's Day).
Furthermore, regarding the vermilion-painted style, it was believed that vermilion (cinnabar/red iron oxide) possessed strong magical and epidemic-preventing properties.

③ Period of Popularity
Mid to late Edo period (late 18th to 19th century). Strongly linked to periods of epidemic outbreaks (smallpox, measles, cholera, etc.), it rapidly spread, primarily in urban areas (Edo and Osaka). Demand expanded widely among both samurai and townspeople.

④ Artist
Produced in both hand-painted and print forms through mass production by Ukiyo-e artists and town painters.

⑤ Simple and Immediately Effective Folk Talisman
Available at low cost as prints or simplified hand-painted works. Practicality: Buy and use immediately.

The signature of Toyokuni on this work is believed to have been added later, perhaps to enhance its effectiveness.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I displayed this painting at my entrance and did not contract the virus. When I took it down as the pandemic subsided, I promptly caught it. It may be a coincidence, but how about a painting that was popular in folk belief in the past?

#Shoki
#FolkBelief
#Cholera
#Corona
#Smallpox
#DemonWarding
#Edo
#Onmyodo
#Demon
#FanSurface
#Vermilion
#EpidemicPrevention