“Stop to witness Shôki the Demon Queller, a powerful guardian from Japanese folklore, captured in a moment of intense action, his sword raised to banish evil spirits. This Edo period painting vividly portrays a protector whose story resonated deeply with people of the time.”
In this dynamic ink painting, Shôki the Demon Queller is caught mid-stride, his face a mask of fierce determination as he brandishes a sword. His robes billow dramatically, suggesting rapid movement, while his long, flowing beard and mustache add to his formidable presence. Shôki, a popular figure in East Asian folklore, is often depicted as a protector against malevolent spirits, a role he embodies here with palpable intensity. The artist uses economical brushstrokes to convey both the figure's power and the ethereal nature of the demons he pursues. This work, part of an album from the Edo period, reflects the widespread belief in supernatural forces and the desire for powerful guardians to ward them off, a common theme in Japanese art and culture of the time.
- Artist
- Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
- Date
- 1699
- Medium
- Album; ink on paper
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Collection
- Arts of Asia
- Culture
- Japan
- Credit line
- Frederick W. Gookin Collection
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
Shôki's intense gaze and furrowed brow.
The way his robes dramatically swirl around him.
The sharp, almost calligraphic lines of his sword.
The subtle ink washes that create depth in his garments.
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Shôki the Demon Queller, from an album of paintings of Shôki, Edo period (1615–1868) — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.
Further Works by Aberdeen
Southern Barbarians
1625 · Art Institute of Chicago
Baskets with Flowers of the Four Seasons
1701 · Art Institute of Chicago
Flower Arrangements
1595 · Art Institute of Chicago
Sketchbook: Souvenir of Naples
1821 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Five Points
1822 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Side Chair
1750 · Art Institute of Chicago
Pair of Side Chairs
1770 · Art Institute of Chicago
Punch Bowl
1789 · Art Institute of Chicago