Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan
Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan
Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan
Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan

Currently not on view

Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan,

ca. 1704–14

Kaigetsudō Ando 壊月堂安度, about 1671–1743
Japanese
Edo period, 1603–1868
2013-14

Kaigetsudō Ando specialized in subjects of the “floating world,” or ukiyo-e, such as courtesans, actors, and their clientele. He is known today for elaborately detailed, full-length portraits of beautiful women. This painting is a rare example of the artist’s depiction of multiple figures engaged in a narrative: Shoki, a demon-destroyer, fends off pursuers while his demon servant carries off a courtesan.

Shoki originates from Chinese mythology, in which he is known as Zhong Kui. In China, he is regarded as an auspicious figure related to the exorcism of demons during New Years’ celebrations. Here, instead of chasing demons, Shoki escapes with a demon and a Japanese courtesan. As the artist’s inscription describes, this painting is a comic picture (

giga). By decontextualizing Shoki and placing him within a Japanese realm, paired with a courtesan, the artist has created a humorous picture on multiple levels.

Information

Title
Shoki Fighting for a Courtesan
Dates

ca. 1704–14

Maker
Kaigetsudō Ando 壊月堂安度
Medium
Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
40.7 x 65.1 cm. (16 x 25 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Fowler McCormick, Class of 1921, Fund
Object Number
2013-14
Place Made

Asia, Japan

Signatures
Signed lower left: 日本戯畫懐月堂安度書 "Nihon giga Kaigetsudō Ando ga"
Marks/Labels/Seals
Artist, “Garyūdō” 臥竜堂, tall form relief, upper seal at bottom left Artist, “Giga Ando” 戯畫安度, square intaglio, lower seal at bottom left
Description
In the center is Shoki (Chinese: Zhong Kui), the demon queller, who holds a sword to fend off three pursuers while his demon servant is carrying off a courtesan on his back. Shoki originates from Chinese mythology, in which he is known as Zhong Kui. In China, he is regarded as an auspicious figure related to the exorcism of demons during New Years’ celebrations. Here, instead of chasing demons, Shoki escapes with a demon and a Japanese courtesan. As the artist’s inscription describes, this painting is a comic picture (giga). By relocating Shoki to Japan where he is stealing a courtesan, the artist has created an air of mischief and humor.
Culture
Japanese
Period
Edo (Japanese period)
Type
paintings, scroll paintings, kakemonos
Materials
ink, paper (fiber product)
Subject
courtesans, battles, demons, figures (representations), men, women, Ukiyo-e

– Kaburagi Kiyokata (1878–1973) (Tokyo, Japan).

– Manno Collection (Osaka, Japan).
–2013 Sebastian Izzard LLC Asian Art (New York, NY), sold to the Princeton University Art Museum, 2013.

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