Japanese Hanging Scroll (Kakejuku), Attributed to Yamamoto Baiitsu, 'Shoki Riding a Demon'

Story

Shoki, traditionally a fierce mythic figure tasked with warding off evil spirits and pestilence, is shown here in an unusually dynamic and triumphant posture. Yamamoto Baiitsu, one of the premier Nanga (literati) painters of late Edo Japan, infused traditional Chinese-inspired folklore with refined Japanese brushwork. Scroll paintings of Shoki were prized talismans displayable during seasonal festivals to protect households from harm.

Maker / Origin

Yamamoto Baiitsu (1783–1856) was a celebrated painter from Owari Province (modern Nagoya) renowned for his elegant literati landscape and bird-and-flower paintings. Trained in copywork of old Chinese masters, he became a central figure in the late Edo Nanga movement, prized for his meticulous fine-line detail and harmonious color palettes.

Condition & Value

The painted silk surface shows mild toning, faint creasing, and minor foxing consistent with age. The silk mounting and brocade borders appear intact, and the scroll includes its fitted wooden box (tomobako/kiribako). Overall fair to good antique condition; minor creasing slightly tempers value.