A competition among powerful magicians

A competition among powerful magicians (jiraiya-type subject) draws on the popular kabuki and popular literature tradition of magical combat — sorcerers whose powers manifested through spectacular elemental transformations, snake-versus-toad, toad-versus-slug, slug-versus-snake in an endless cycle of magical dominance and defeat. The subject's visual richness — elaborate costumes, supernatural effects, the dynamic postures of combat — made it ideal material for Mori's bold stencil approach. These magical battle scenes belonged to the same popular cultural tradition as the aragoto rough-style kabuki that was central to his work.