Object Type
Artist
Period
Materials
Creation Date
Dimensions
|
Object Type |
19th Century Japanese Scroll |
|---|---|---|
Artist |
Zeshin | |
Period |
Meiji | |
Materials |
Color on Paper Scroll | |
Creation Date |
ca. 1870 | |
Dimensions |
43.8 cm x 52 cm (17 1/4 in x 20 1/2 in) |
Commentary |
The amazing composition with its imaginative use of space is one of Zeshin's great attributes. Otafuku is the fat lady generally associated with happiness and good luck. Here she is chasing away a demon known as Oni. - JDP Otafuku is a pejorative word for a woman with ugly facial features. However, the meaning of the word itself in Chinese characters is "abundant fortune" and "abundant happiness." By using otafuku and a demon, Zeshin is contrasting good and evil, or happiness and misfortune in this picture. He picturized the phrase used at night of setsubun --happiness in, demons out. Otafuku occupies her definite world in a circle. The demon is being pushed out symbolically from the circle and falling down to misfortune. His witty selection of subject matter, and skilful and humorous executions of it indicate his maturity in his art. Signature "Zeshin" seal "Koma" underneath the circle. (Sasaki) |