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The Ghost of Oiwa, c. 1831-32 (colour woodblock print)
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The Ghost of Oiwa, c. 1831-32 (colour woodblock print)
881700 The Ghost of Oiwa, c.1831-32 (colour woodblock print) by Hokusai, Katsushika (1760-1849); 26.3--18.9 cm; Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MN, USA; (add.info.: The Lantern Ghost, Iwa
image, sheet: 10 3/8 x 7 7/16 in. (26.3 x 18.9 cm)
17 15/16 x 14 in. (45.5 x 35.5 cm) (mat)
Ghost tale of Iwa is a famous story based on the real event, known as "Yotsuya Kaidan (Ghost Tale in Yotsuya)", later had been made a Kabuki play by Tsuruya Nanboku. An unemployed samurai, Iemon married Iwa, a daughter of a warrior family looking for a man who can succeed their family name. After the marriage, he poisoned and killed his wife, and was haunted by the ghost of his wife.
From One Hundred Tales (Hyaku monogatari 百物語)); © Minneapolis Institute of Art; Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr.; Japanese, out of copyright
Media ID 23243816
© Bequest of Louis W. Hill, Jr. / Bridgeman Images
Afterlife Chuban Creepy Folk Tale Folklore Ghost Ghost Stories Ghost Story Ghosts Haunted Haunting Horror Lamp Lantern Legendary Macabre Poisoned Sinister Spirit Spirits Spooky Supernatural Surreal Ukiyo E Mortality
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The Ghost of Oiwa
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is a hauntingly beautiful colour woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1831-32. The image depicts the eerie figure of Oiwa, also known as "The Lantern Ghost" who is the central character in the famous ghost tale "Yotsuya Kaidan". This chilling story was based on a real event and later adapted into a Kabuki play by Tsuruya Nanboku. In this print, we see the spectral form of Oiwa emerging from darkness, her face illuminated by a lantern held in front of her. Her ethereal presence evokes feelings of macabre and supernatural mystery. With its intricate details and vibrant colours, Hokusai's work captures both the beauty and horror associated with ghost stories. The legend behind this image tells us that Iemon, an unemployed samurai married to Iwa, poisoned his wife shortly after their marriage. However, he soon finds himself haunted by her vengeful spirit. The print encapsulates the tragic fate of Iwa and serves as a reminder of mortality and the consequences one faces for their actions. This artwork showcases Hokusai's mastery in ukiyo-e (woodblock printing) technique while immersing viewers into Japan's rich folklore tradition. It invites us to delve into tales that explore themes such as love, betrayal, revenge, and ultimately confront our own fears about life beyond death.
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