Ôtsu-e Figure: Demon Converted to Buddhism (Oni no nenbutsu)
Description
A print from the "One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai" series depicting a demon in the act of converting to Buddhism — the "Oni no nenbutsu" (demon reciting the nenbutsu) motif, derived from Otsu-e folk painting tradition where it was one of the most beloved and widely reproduced images. The demon's conversion, carrying its rosary and prayer beads with earnest devotion, was read both as a genuine statement about the universality of Buddhist compassion and as a gentle joke about the improbability of radical transformation.
More Prints by Kawanabe Kyosai
Tenpôzan in Osaka: Viewing Children's Sumo (Naniwa Tenpôzan kodomo sumô shôran), from the series Scenes of Famous Places along the Tôkaidô Road (Tôkaidô meisho fûkei), also known as the Processional Tôkaidô (Gyôretsu Tôkaidô), here called Tôkaidô
1863
Woodblock print
Kyosai, Royal Academy, London, FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING
2022
Original Museum Lithographic Exhibition Poster
from the series One Hundred Pictures by Kyôsai (Kyôsai hyakuzu)
Woodblock print
Gontazaka, from the series Scenes of Famous Places along the Tôkaidô Road (Tôkaidô meisho fûkei), also known as the Processional Tôkaidô (Gyôretsu Tôkaidô), here called Tôkaidô meisho no uchi
Woodblock print
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Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ôtsu-e Figure: Demon Converted to Buddhism (Oni no nenbutsu) was created by Kawanabe Kyosai (河鍋暁斎).
Ôtsu-e Figure: Demon Converted to Buddhism (Oni no nenbutsu) depicts figures and mythology.