Japanese Woodblock Print, actual title "Laughing Demon" from the series "One Hundred Ghost Stories" was originally published c.1831-2, this is a later edition published from recarved woodblocks.

SIZE IN INCHES: chuban, 7.75 x 10.5 inches

COMMENTS: The Yamauba is traditionally depicted as a crone who has unkempt hair and wearing either filthy clothes or clothes made of tree bark. In general, this demon is said to eat infants who are brought to her mountain home. Aside from this tale, there are also stories of how the Yamauba attacks merchants and horse drivers walking along the mountain path. Interestingly enough in the tale "Ubakawa" a yamaba actually gives a human good luck and in one prefecture houses possessed by a Yamauba would gain great wealth and fortune.

KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849), who also used the names Shunro, Sori, Kako, Taito, Gakyojin, Iitsu, and Manji, was a Japanese master artist and printmaker of the ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) school. His early works represent the full spectrum of ukiyo-e art, including single sheet prints of landscapes and actors, hand paintings, and surimono (printed things), such as greetings and announcements. Later he concentrated on the classical themes of the samurai and Chinese subjects. His famous print series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," published between 1826 and 1833, marked the summit in the history of the Japanese landscape print.

Fine, no flaws