Red Shōki, the Demon Queller 1846

Katsushika Hokusai rendered "Red Shōki, the Demon Queller" in ink and color on silk. This work encapsulates Japan's Edo period fascination with folklore and its complex relationship with imported cultural icons, here seen in the Chinese demon queller, Shōki. The image creates meaning through its striking color choice and dynamic composition. Red, traditionally a protective color, amplifies Shōki's power, while his active stance and fierce expression convey his readiness to combat evil. Made during a time of relative peace and economic growth, this art reflects a society that was increasingly interested in its cultural identity. The adoption of a figure like Shōki into the Japanese pantheon speaks volumes about the selective absorption of foreign influences. Understanding this artwork requires delving into the social and institutional contexts that shaped Hokusai's vision. Research into Edo period art markets, religious beliefs, and cultural exchange reveals the depth of meaning embedded within the art. Art history teaches us that the meaning of art depends on its social and institutional context.