A Girl on the Edge of a Stream Sees a Demon's Head in the Water 1710 - 1792

"A Girl on the Edge of a Stream Sees a Demon's Head in the Water" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Komatsuken Shoshoken (Shakeiko), who lived from 1710 to 1792. The artwork depicts a young woman in traditional Japanese garb standing on a rocky outcrop, her hand raised in a gesture of surprise or fear. The water below her is churning, and in its depths, the head of a demon with horns emerges. This striking image is a classic example of Japanese ukiyo-e art, known for its vibrant colors, detailed imagery, and often fantastical themes. The print is a powerful reminder of the supernatural beliefs and anxieties of Edo period Japan, where people often lived in fear of the unknown. It is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA.