WebKuniyoshi began his ukiyo-e career as a pupil of Shunei. Here are a few images taken during the production of the prints: The prints will arrive in your mailbox secure in a strong envelope (with stiffener), but as they build up on your desk every couple of weeks, you are going to need a way to store them. Please. This exhibition, on loan from Scripps College, presents 80 works featuring Edo period woodblock prints and e-hon (picture books) spanning over 250 years. [5], The legend from 17th century tells the story of a maid named Okiku who breaks a valuable set of Korean plates. Thank you for visiting my store. Exhibitions and their related programs at Asia Society Texas are presented byNancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher. Please note : The original form of Makimono is a book. Illustrator: UTAGAWA KUNISADA. The gallery was divided into four equal spaces, stretching from left to right, connected by the main hallway. It could take longer depending on the. WebBakeneko Nekomata Yokai Woodblock (62 Volume Set) Utagawa Kunisada Rare. The item Hirokage Utagawa, Summer, Yokai, Ukiyo-e, Original Japanese Woodblock Print is in sale since Friday, November 9, 2018. Web'Yokai Dracul' Woodblock Print Quantity (Ships within two weeks.) The original image, designs produced by painting or drawing by hand, were traditionally inspired by even older forms and styles of Japanese visual art. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. Major support comes from The Brown Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. In her hysteria, she stumbles over and lands upon an open sword. WebUtagawa Kuniyoshi was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Printsisorganized byScripps College in Claremont, California, withadditional worksorganized by Asia Society Texas for the Houston presentation. Personally, I was mesmerized and surprised at how colorful the exhibit was. Typically, orders of $35 USD or more (within the same shop) qualify for free standard shipping from participating Etsy sellers. Thus, this series creates an intimate experience for each viewer to project the scary stories onto their immediate surroundings. On loan from Scripps College, this exhibition presents 80 works featuring not only Edo period woodblock prints but also printed books (e-hon) spanning over 250 years that explore the realm of the supernatural. X 35.4 cm. Well, youll never be cold again! [1][5], Kassandra Diaz noted that "He wears juzu beads which were used in Buddhist prayer by rubbing between both hands. The artist for this print is also Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and is in full-color woodblock print. These materials provide valuable insight into the Japanese imaginationboth bright and dark.. [5], This graphic depiction was crucial not just for invoking the level of terror associated with the ghost story, but for creating an ingeniously hidden metaphor of Edo society. Designer Jed Henry didn't let that stop him though. Weight of Wooden Box : 218g. Ut enim ad minima veniam, epreh. We hope you will join us for this interesting project! The views expressed by Asia Society staff, fellows, experts, report authors, program speakers, board members, and other affiliates are solely their own. She then returns as a spirit to count her plates every night, "shrieking on the tenth count". Kassandra Diaz wrote that in the series Hokusai integrated ghost stories into everyday life: An Edoite can never walk comfortably past Oiwa Tamiya Inari Shrine, Morita-za, castle wells, serpent shrines, or mountains without recalling Hokusais disturbing yokai. This item is in the category Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints. United Airlines is our official airline partner. Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. Omoi Tsuzura. He created this series around the same time he was creating his most famous works, the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. Dont see this option? (50% off), Sale Price $32.40 TRUCK ART AND THE URDU LANGUAGE: Be transported to the streets of Pakistan and dive into truck art and the Urdu language! As he peers through the netting of his victims tent, the unseen antagonists become not just Koheiji's victims, but the victims of the Tokugawa governmenta mass of nameless protagonists persecuted by grim reforms and restrictions. [7], The story was originally a play for kabuki theater called Yotsuya Kaidan, and was written in 1825 by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. Personally, this is one of my favorite sections in the gallery. Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Printsisorganized byScripps College in Claremont, California, withadditional worksorganized by Asia Society Texas for the Houston presentation. Leslie and Brad Bucher Exhibitions and their related programs at Asia Society Texas are presented byNancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher. PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOS IVE SELECTED. One similarity that Japanese and Western culture have in common about ghosts is that they are depicted in white, as if translucent, and known to have unfinished business among the living or simply seeking vengeance. One of my personal favorites is a piece called Yugao No. "Dreaming of what life might be like in far-off lands, this sharp-toothed yokai spends endless hours on a Tokyo park bench, waiting waiting waiting ", "The sweet scent of his incense wafts through space all around him. Registration marks on each block guides the placement of the paper to make sure the colors are aligned during the printing process. These are some additional works inspired by this story: In this print Hokusai combined two folklore monsters; a hannya, an old woman was believed to be changed into a demon because of deep-seated jealousy, and a yamanba ("mountain woman"), a demon believed to devour kidnapped children. Friday, September 30, 2022 (damaged by worms, tear, spot, dirt, etc) Please refer to the photograph. Generous funding also provided byTheAnchorage Foundation of Texas, The Clayton Fund,Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Wortham Foundation, Inc., AgnesHsu-Tang, Ph.D. and Oscar L. Tang,and Ann Wales. [7] Kassandra Diaz writes that: The creases of the lantern fold over her exhausted eyes, which point to the Buddhist seed syllable on her forehead. Many of their ykai have inspired depictions in manga and anime today. Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural opens on Friday, September 30, and remains on This item can be shipped worldwide. Web103K views 6 years ago. Yokai in a Hamper Art Print. Celebrated artists like Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) filled their designs with creepy and sometimes comical creatures, devilish demons, and grotesque ghosts. Once the design is complete, it gets handed down to a carver who places the design on a block of cherry wood. Followed by the ghosts and spooky objects are the demons, also known as oni. Yes! The Japanese Gallery Kensington guarantees all listed items are neither reprints nor reproductions. WebCheck out our yokai woodblock selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. But while civil war abated, the ruling warrior class left citizens with few rights or autonomy to speak of. Shop Tour At The Vibey Est Screen Printing Shop In Los Angeles Print Renegades. ", "He wanders Purgatory, looking for souls that he can help find their way. Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. For high-resolution images, please email Stephanie Todd-Wong, Director of Communications and Audience Engagement: To download a PDF copy of this release, please click, Dates: Friday, September 30 Sunday, December 11, 2022, Admission: Free for Asia Society Members; $5 Students and Seniors (with ID); $8 Nonmembers. Well, we're about to find out. As someone who grew up in a Filipino household, and moved quite a few times, I was always told that when moving into a new home to sprinkle salt in every room to remove any evil forces lurking around. Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92), Fox Fires from the series Twenty-four Examples of Filial Piety, 1892, Full-color woodblock print, Gift of Mrs. and Mr. Fred Marer, Scripps College, Claremont, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-92), Ygao, No. Japanese artist Hokusai produced this work around 1830 using woodblock printing, a process that stretches back to 7th century China. GREAT ART GREAT STORY. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. Kohada Koheiji was a kabuki actor for the Morita-za theater; as he couldn't get any good role, he was cast as a yurei, and could only get yurei roles from there on out. Hokusai himself could believe in ghosts, he was in the Nichiren Buddhist sect, and probably believed that "he would one day walk the earth as a phantom". Please take a look (below) at the prints made so far, and we hope you will consider joining us for the adventure! Yokai, Japanese Supernatural Monsters Art Print. The story was very popular, and many ukiyo-e artists made impressions based on it. Asia Society Texas Center will continue to feature Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints until December 17, 2022. Region of Origin : JAPAN. The story of Oiwa, a wife killed by her husband, was interpreted to be a tale of marital relations: The story teaches of the consequences of betrayal, cowardice and selfishness. [8] Yet another version tells that Okiku worked for a samurai named Aoyama Tessan from Himeji Castle who makes advances on her. One of the prints that depicted her transformation is called Monster Fox and Ghost. The work depicts a skeletal ghost with flames around him who has returned to scare the couple while they are in bed together under a mosquito net. Unsupported Browser Detected.It seems the web browser you're using doesn't support some of the features of this site. WebThe prints are being made in the Japanese traditional hagaki size: 11 x 15 cm (approximately 4.5 x 6 inches), and are all completely hand-carved and hand-printed. Related items / Visit my store.. ", "Modern character bento' have provided a new niche so of course a Yokai has evolved to fill it! ", "After years of being pounded by priests chanting their sutras, this one has sprouted wings and returns to haunt their dreams ", "A terrible spirit rides during the rush hour; once the doors have closed on the packed carriage there is no escape from a smell so foul that demons would cringe! In 1814, he left Toyokunis studio to pursue a Original Price $22.00 There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. [7], It was typical for the time period for people to be superstitious; "there seems to be a convergent point in Japanese society where individuals from all walks of life seem to unite in their belief of the supernatural". WebOne Hundred Ghost Stories ( , Hyaku monogatari) is a series of ukiyo-e woodblock prints made by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) in the Yrei-zu genre circa 1830. It has enough double pockets for the complete print set, the accompanying descriptive sheets, and a Table of Contents. [3] It was believed that whenever a candle went out, a channel would appear that could be used by ghosts or spirits to travel into the world of the living, and after all the candles were extinguished, some supernatural event might occur. Log in to the member portal to access your status, benefits, and member pricing! At age 14 he was accepted to study the art of woodblock printing under Toyokuni I and, in time, would become one of his most successful students. Japanese artist Hokusai produced this work around 1830 using woodblock printing, a process that stretches back to 7th century China. He posed the questions, "Where might we find yokai in our modern society, and how would they terrorize us?". https://japanese-woodblock-print org/tag/omuro/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/2019/03/22/utagawa-hiroshige-evening-rain-at-tadasugawara-kyoto-woodblock-framed-rare/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/tag/shoun/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/tag/hasegawa/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/2017/08/28/listed-japanese-artist-mikumo-original-signed-wood-block-print/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/tag/iwao/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/2022/08/11/shoda-koho-1871-1946-japanese-pillar-woodblock-print-boy-riding-ox-framed/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/2020/09/09/woodblock-by-takahashi-shotei-spring-snow-rare-crepe-chirimen-version/, https://japanese-woodblock-print org/2020/02/28/authentic-japanese-woodblock-print-famous-hiroshige-print-shin-ohashi-bridge/. A WONDERFULL AND COMPLETE SET OF BOOKS THAT SPANED OVER 7 YEARS. Over the next few months, the gallery will be home to famous ykai: mysterious apparitions that take form in demons, monsters, trickster spirits, and shapeshifting animals. Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints, Mid-Evil Cats: Why Artists in the Dark Ages Made Them So Ugly, Jackson OBrasky: Five Element Theoryat AB NY. Do they come and go with the clouds or do we only notice them when it rains? Someone joined together the books together as scrolls. Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. On the far left of the gallery, closest to the entrance, is the first group of Ykai: Kami of the natural world. The one most commonly told begins with a young girl named Oume who falls in love with the married samurai Tamiya Iemon. For the best experience, we recommend using a modern browser that supports the features of this website. Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858) Koganei in Musashi Province Japanese Woodblock. Over the course of 2017, Jed and our workshop created a set of 24 interesting woodblock prints: 12 images drawn by the Meiji-era designer Kawanabe Kyosai, and 12 created by Jed in answer to those questions. Betrayal, because the hideous appearance of Oiwa was caused by the consumption of a potion given to her by the father of another woman who was in love with Iyemon; the potion was disguised as a medicine to help Oiwa recover from giving birth but caused a facial disfigurement, which subsequently led Iyemon to abandon Oiwa, disgusted. Ready to become an Asia Society Texas member? You'll receive framed, heavyweight, gicle, acid-free print that's created to last for generations. Condition: Stains and creases on the margin. Here are a few images taken during the production of the first pair of prints: The prints will arrive in your mailbox secure in a strong envelope (with stiffener), but as they build up on your desk every couple of weeks, you are going to need a way to store them. Subject: YOKAI. Special Attributes: Complete set of 62 volumes. The binder is a compact 'Clear File', which we source here in Japan, and which the maker claims is 'Archival Safe and 100% Acid free'. ", Back in the old days people were of course quite sure that such creatures actually existed, but in our 'enlightened' modern times, we are less confident. This section of the gallery focuses on the ykai, who are associated with the natural landscapes such as mountains or rivers, or natural phenomena such as storms or earthquakes. Web103K views 6 years ago. Fill out the requested information. Great! Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural opens on Friday, September 30, and remains on view through December 11, 2022. $32.40, $36.00 Funding is also provided through contributions from the Exhibitions Patron Circle, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional visual art to Asia Society Texas. Work with professional artists and teachers and create your own colorful art pieces. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. The print is divided into two parts, upper and lower panel. ArtRKL LLC 2021-2023. $16. [2][9] Offerings and the water near the altar tablet are for the dead. The print is divided into two parts, upper and lower panel. Chinhui Juhn and Edward Allen, 1370 Southmore Blvd. This terror is far worse than witnessing a yokai becoming one themselves after death. Ykai range eclectically from the malevolent to the mischievous, or occasionally bring good fortune to those who encounter them. $53. In woodblock printing, an artisan cuts a design on a wood block in relief, with the areas to receive ink left raised and the rest cut In collaboration with Asia Society Texas, ISHIDA Dance Company presents the world premiere of 'having been breathed out.'. One of the prints on display features Earthquake Catfish dressed as a Buddhist Priest and Raijin, the Thunder God. The seller is canadiantradingpost and is located in Abbotsford. Web103K views 6 years ago. International Buyers Please Note. Join Asia Society Texas for a screening of 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' as part of our Bollywood Film Nights series! This print shows a scene from a Japanese legend about a man who was drowned in a swamp by his wife and her lover. To quote from Wikipedia - "Ykai are a class of supernatural monsters, spirits and demons in Japanese folklore. Language: Japanese. He posed the questions, "Where might we find yokai in our modern society, and how would they terrorize us?". Notably, figures depicted in woodblock prints have traditionally thick outlines outlines that are later filled with bright colours. He is most-widely known for depictions of the battles of legendary samurai heroes. Opening Reception Join Asia Society Texas to celebrate our newest exhibitionYkai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints. The prints will be sent out to waiting subscribers at the pace of two each month (the Kyosai reproduction on the 1st of each month, and the Henry original on the 15th.). [8] Warai-hannya was also called the Laughing Demoness or Ogress. Found something you love but want to make it even more uniquely you? WebKuniyoshi began his ukiyo-e career as a pupil of Shunei. Absolutely! A sheet of paper is placed on the surface of the block with the aid of a rubbing pad called a baren. WebThe prints are being made in the Japanese traditional hagaki size: 11 x 15 cm (approximately 4.5 x 6 inches), and are all completely hand-carved and hand-printed. We welcome walk-up visitors. Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Printsisorganized byScripps College in Claremont, California, withadditional worksorganized by Asia Society Texas for the Houston presentation. Japanese artist Hokusai produced this work around 1830 using woodblock printing, a process that stretches back to 7th century China. Web'Yokai Dracul' Woodblock Print Quantity (Ships within two weeks.) The story based on actual events, as Koheiji was a real murder victim. [4], The game originated as a religious ritual; Noriko T. Reider, a researcher in the field of Japanese folklore, states that "these gatherings may have had their origin during the medieval period in Hyakuza hodan (One Hundred Buddhist Stories), in which it was widely believed that miracles would happen after telling one hundred Buddhist stories over one hundred days". Many of these supernatural creatures and their activities have been described in folklore, legends, and historical texts, influencing paintings, theater, and even modern pop culture. Region: Japan. laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. [5] Tsuji Nobuo states that "Hokusai must have believed in ghosts to have created such realistic images of them". WebThough Hokusai died in 1849, his woodblock prints and other works inspired generations of artists worldwide long after his death. WebThough Hokusai died in 1849, his woodblock prints and other works inspired generations of artists worldwide long after his death. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.ArtRKL and its underscore design indicate trademarks of ArtRKL LLC and its subsidiaries. An intelligent decision on his part as these yokai are much rarer than yurei, make this Okiku scarier."[7]. Place of Publication: Japan. These objects are your everyday, normal items that become ykai after a certain number of years and seek vengeance against their owners who misused and discarded them. Science Source. Japanese Ukiyoe Bijinga Original Box. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. ", "No amps in 1881, but it didnt matter; he could still blow everybody out of the room. Meiji 22(1889) first edition. WebSharaku Woodblock 40 Print Set Yuyudo Publ. It has enough double pockets for the complete print set, the accompanying descriptive sheets, and a Table of Contents. The seller is japanese.gallery and is located in London. Reception. You brace for impact just as they hurtle effortlessly, silently past you and return to the darkness. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Yokai Woodblock Print Series Author: admin. Condition : There are antique damage because it is old item. More from This Artist. One Hundred Ghost Stories (, Hyaku monogatari) is a series of ukiyo-e woodblock prints made by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) in the Yrei-zu genre circa 1830. Sumpter wrote that "this vibrant depiction of death gone a-hunting speaks to Hokusais belief in the supernatural". Type : The best masterpiece Very Rare Antique Original. "[7], This print shows a snake wrapped around a memorial tablet (ihai) for a Buddhist altar (traditionally placed on an altar at the home of the deceased); the snake represents obsession that continues after death. Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858) Koganei in Musashi Province Japanese Woodblock. More from This Artist. The Ghost of Kohada Koheiji (Kohada Koheiji), The series is made in reference to the tradition of Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai (A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales), a popular Japanese game played at night, when people would meet to share folklore ghost stories and their own anecdotes. Ghost stories (and prints) appeared because of this period's repression and restrictions, and were "metaphorical social commentaries". Leslie and Brad Bucher WebThis creature is said to be a beautiful woman who would lure and bewitch emperors or high-profiled men. [1][2] Hokusai was in his seventies when he worked on this series, and though his most famous impressions are landscape and wild-life works, he was attuned to the superstitions of the Edo period. Just in which direction he will pull them, he will of course not reveal ", "Usually only sipping lightly, the Battery Drainer loses control once it tastes the zesty juice created by the sound of frantic typing at a looming deadline ", "The Magic Hammer will bring you the riches you desire but of, "Its been so long since I had a donation I. He represents the deadening existence that plagued the commoner classes of the Edo period. Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government. Nancy C. Allen In 1814, he left Toyokunis studio to pursue a Once designed, the image is carved into a block of wood leaving only the outlines of the artists design in the block. The placing of the hannya outside of this window "brings it into the viewer's everyday life". This is item is 100% genuine and comes as is. Comments Off ", Back in the old days people were of course quite sure that such creatures actually existed, but in our 'enlightened' modern times, we are less confident. Illustrator: UTAGAWA KUNISADA. WebCheck out our yokai woodblock selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Ykai range eclectically from the malevolent to the mischievous, or occasionally bring good fortune to those who encounter them. On view through December 11, 2022, Ykai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints presents a rare opportunity to see this vast collection and explore the mystical world of Japanese folklore and legend. David uses the finest quality of yamazakura(mountain cherry) to carve his printing blocks. The collection of prints on view highlights the complicated and multistep process involved in woodblock printing. WebThe print set is still available, and is sent out to subscribers at the pace of two each month (one each from Kyosai and Jed.) Region: Japan. This creature is said to be a beautiful woman who would lure and bewitch emperors or high-profiled men. Web1 - 72 of 343 yokai art prints for sale. ", "'Going viral' is a benefit these days, but when you met. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions. WebSharaku Woodblock 40 Print Set Yuyudo Publ. Good news! While works such as the "Great Wave" brought Hokusai ubiquity, his persistent spirit of exploration, innovation, and sensitivity to his world that built his revelatory legacy. It reminds me of my own family superstition. Similar Designs. In 1814, he left Toyokunis studio to pursue a Japans New Year tradition includes tossing roasted beans out the front door, followed by the phrase oni was soto, fuku wa uchi!, which translates as bad luck out and good luck in! This tradition is believed to ward off evil spirits from homes. I will write the actual amount. We recommend Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Upon entering the gallery, guests were greeted with a bright blue wall explaining the history surrounding Ykai, known as mysterious apparitions in Japanese culture. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society. They also include tales of transformed humans, gods, demons, goblins, monsters, and unexplainable events. In the Edo period (1603-1868), the spread of woodblock printing fostered a highly literate population, spurring publishers to mass-produce woodblock prints and illustrated books depicting scenes of the modern world as well as popular literature and legends. Additional blocks are carved for each color in the design with registration marks added to ensure the colors align perfectly. Size: 15.2cm x 22.1cm (Circa) / 38 pages. This item is in the category Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. WebBakeneko Nekomata Yokai Woodblock (62 Volume Set) Utagawa Kunisada Rare. He is most-widely known for depictions of the battles of legendary samurai heroes. In this image, Namazu and Raijin are doing a street performance called chobokure that uses rhythm instruments and fast-paced songs. More from This Artist. ArtRKL and its underscore design indicate trademarks of ArtRKL LLC and its subsidiaries. The Woodblock Print Secret #1: Carving. WebUtagawa Kuniyoshi was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style of woodblock prints and painting. The consequences of this immoral treatment of Iyemon and others towards Oiwa are insanity and death, which translate into unhappiness and loss. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. [11] Several versions of this story exist. WebOne Hundred Ghost Stories ( , Hyaku monogatari) is a series of ukiyo-e woodblock prints made by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) in the Yrei-zu genre circa 1830. Please take a look (below) at the prints made so far, and [2][9] The story is from the Nagano region's folklore. Web1 - 72 of 343 yokai art prints for sale. Ykai meaning mysterious apparitions take the form of demons, monsters, shape-shifting animals, and trickster spirits, and have been found in folklore, historical texts, paintings, and theatre for centuries. The prints are made in the Japanese traditional hagaki size: 11 x 15 cm (approximately 4.5 x 6 inches), and are all completely hand-carved and hand-printed, as you can see in the video at the bottom of this page. Over the next few months, the gallery will be home to famous ykai: mysterious apparitions that take form in demons, monsters, trickster spirits, and shapeshifting animals. Binding: Japanese Woodblock. In Hokusai's print ghost of Oiwa possessed a lantern, in accord with a belief of the lantern usage for communication with ancestral spirits. Comments Off Utagawa Hiroshige (1787-1858) Koganei in Musashi Province Japanese Woodblock. Ykai are mysterious phenomena and bizarre creatures that have inhabited Japan's landscapes, homes, folklore, and imagination for centuries. "It is vivid and sensational with a fantasy that is very much part of the later manga tradition". In one version, she is thrown into a well by her master;[2] another version tells that Okiku threw herself into the well in despair.