The Demon Omatsu Kills Shirōsaburō in the Ford 1886

"The Demon Omatsu Kills Shirōsaburō in the Ford" (1886) is a woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, one of the most celebrated artists of the late Edo period. The print depicts a dramatic scene from Japanese folklore: a vengeful demon woman, Omatsu, wielding a sword to kill her former lover, Shirōsaburō, in a river ford. Yoshitoshi's masterful use of color and detail brings the story to life, with the swirling river water, the menacing demon, and the terrified victim creating a captivating and unsettling scene. This work is a prime example of Yoshitoshi's signature style, known for its dynamism, intricate compositions, and powerful narratives.