Shōki, the Demon–Queller 1700 - 1733

Okumura Masanobu's ink and color on paper artwork, "Shōki, the Demon–Queller," presents a figure deeply embedded in Japanese folklore. Shōki, traditionally a protector against illness and evil, reflects the social anxieties of the Edo period. This work was made during a time when urban centers like Edo, now Tokyo, were experiencing rapid growth alongside outbreaks of disease. Artists like Masanobu tapped into popular beliefs, offering visual talismans that resonated with a public seeking protection. The print's bold lines and dynamic pose visually assert Shōki’s power, playing on cultural narratives of heroism and divine intervention. Such images weren't just art; they were practical objects within a network of social practices aimed at securing well-being. To truly understand this piece, historians delve into records of epidemics, religious practices, and the economics of print culture, illuminating how art served as a response to the challenges of its time.