An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Shōki, the Demon Quellerlate 19th century
Artist: Kawanabe Kyо̄sui
Japanese, 1868 - 1935
bearded man in green robe holding a sword in one hand and holding a bag of demons aloft in the other hand; eyes, feet, claws, fur of demons spilling out of bag; writing in black ink and red seal BL; border of dark green fabric with gold floral pattern; green-gold fabric border top and bottom; bone roller at bottom; housed in plain wooden lidded box with 2 paper labels with writing on one end
47 7/16 × 19 3/16 in. (120.5 × 48.8 cm) (image)
84 1/2 × 24 in. (214.6 × 60.9 cm) (not including roller)
Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
hanging scroll
Japan
19th century
The Mary Griggs Burke Endowment Fund established by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation
In the soft glow of a sunlit morning, the air was filled with a sense of reverence and tradition. It was Boy’s Day, a cherished holiday in Japan where boys were celebrated, their health and happiness fervently wished for by their families. At the heart of this cultural moment stood the heroic figure of Shōki, the powerful demon slayer, whose presence felt almost tangible in the air. Shōki was more than a myth; he was a protector, a warrior of the spirit, with tales echoing through ancient tales and whispers of hope.
Among the many artists who sought to capture his essence was Kawanabe Kyōsui, a trailblazer in a world often dominated by men. She was not merely painting; she was crafting a legacy, carving out a space for female artists to shine. In this striking portrayal, she presented Shōki with triumphant strength, holding high a bag containing two captured demons, a symbol of his relentless fight against darkness.
But Kyōsui’s story didn’t begin in isolation. She was the daughter of Kawanabe Kyōsai, a revered artist whose haunting work, Wisteria Maiden and Demon Priest, hung nearby, a silent testament to the creative lineage threading through their lives. As the two works shared the gallery's light, the past and present danced together in harmonious dialogue, each brushstroke rich with meaning and history.
In this space, every detail seemed to tell a part of a larger tale—of battles fought and won, of the resilience of the human spirit, and of the poignant connection between generations. Kyōsui’s art was a bridge, carrying the weight of her father's legacy while forging her own path, celebrating both the strength of Shōki and the spirit of women artists who dare to dream. Each glance at the vibrant canvas not only honored a beloved holiday but also invoked a sense of awe for the stories woven into the fabric of their existence. And under the watchful eye of Shōki, the spirits of both art and culture thrived, resonating deeply with anyone fortunate enough to pause and reflect.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.