Something Wicked from Japan — Ghosts, Demons & Yokai in Ukiyo-e Masterpieces A richly illustrated Japanese art book exploring the supernatural world of ghosts, demons and yokai through ukiyo-e masterpieces by some of the most celebrated artists of the Edo and Meiji periods. Published in Japan by PIE International in 2016, the book presents Japanese folklore through dramatic images of yurei, oni, monsters, supernatural animals and legendary creatures. Featured artists include: – Katsushika Hokusai – Utagawa Hiroshige – Utagawa Kuniyoshi – Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and other important masters of Japanese printmaking. The publication brings together approximately 120 ukiyo-e works depicting around 70 supernatural figures and legends. Among the subjects are famous Japanese ghost stories and legendary beings such as Oiwa, Okiku, Shuten-doji and the nine-tailed fox. One of the strengths of the book is the close relationship between image and story. The prints are not presented simply as decorative works: accompanying texts explain the legends, historical episodes and popular tales that inspired the artists. Many of these supernatural subjects became particularly popular during the Edo period, when ghosts and monsters developed into an important part of popular entertainment. Artists such as Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi transformed these stories into extraordinarily imaginative compositions filled with dramatic movement, unusual creatures and theatrical effects. The book therefore offers an interesting bridge between traditional Japanese folklore and later Japanese visual culture. The imagery of yokai and supernatural beings seen in ukiyo-e continues to influence manga, animation, games and contemporary illustration. The texts are presented in both Japanese and English, making the publication particularly accessible to international collectors and readers interested in Japanese art and folklore. Publication details Supervisor: Ei Nakau Text: Noriko Yamamoto Publisher: PIE International Published: 2016 Format: B5 Approximate size: 22.8 × 18.2 cm Pages: 240 Illustration: Full colour Language: Japanese and English ISBN: 978-4-7562-4810-7 Condition Good pre-owned condition with light signs of handling and storage. Minor surface scratches are present on the cover, together with a small tear to the paper band. The book itself remains in comparatively clean condition. An attractive reference work for collectors of ukiyo-e, Japanese folklore, yokai imagery and Japanese visual culture.