Omoi tsuzura 1880

This woodblock print was created by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, who died in 1892. It depicts ghoulish figures emerging from a box. Here, we encounter the realm of the 'oni,' the grotesque demons of Japanese folklore, which are visual embodiments of primal fears and suppressed desires. Note their protruding tongues and bulging eyes, exaggerated features meant to evoke a visceral sense of dread. These demons are often seen as manifestations of untamed emotions and psychological turmoil, reflective of the anxieties deeply embedded in the cultural psyche. Think of the medieval gargoyles perched atop Gothic cathedrals, also serving as symbolic guardians against evil. Similarly, these 'oni' figures remind us of the timeless human impulse to externalize and confront inner demons. As these symbols reappear, they morph and adapt, yet their fundamental psychological resonance remains. The demons serve as a reminder of our shared subconscious and the enduring power of symbols.