Description
Katsushika Hokusai’s “Oni Thrown by Beans” is one of the most remarkably enigmatic manifestations of the ukiyo-e tradition, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period. Hokusai, best known for his series of prints “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” exhibits in this painting a curious fusion of mythology, popular culture and an aesthetic deeply rooted in his time. The work, created in the 19th century, illustrates an aspect of Japanese folklore related to the Bean Festival, known as Setsubun, which celebrates the arrival of spring and symbolizes the expulsion of evil spirits, represented here by the figure of the oni.
At the centre of the composition, an oni, a demonic creature from Japanese folklore, is depicted in a vibrant and dramatic manner. This figure, with green skin and prominent horns, is captured in a moment of almost cartoonish reaction, in which it seems terrified by the attack of beans thrown by humans. The oni’s posture, with its hunched body and restless expression, contrasts sharply with the dynamism of the beans flying towards it, a detail that highlights the interaction between man and demon, a recurring theme in Japanese art.
The use of color in this work is particularly noteworthy. The palette is dominated by vibrant greens that characterize the oni, as well as earthy and blue tones that invoke naturalness and rural life, elements that Hokusai often incorporated to reflect the Japanese environment. Through a subtle play of contrasts between the warm colors of the beans and the cool colors of the surroundings, the scene breathes a sense of movement and energy, leading the viewer to experience the same visual impact that the oni is feeling in its confrontation.
The composition is structured in such a way that it guides the viewer’s gaze from the oni to the background, where stylized figures, probably representing bean-throwers, frame the main action. This stylistic choice by Hokusai is characteristic of ukiyo-e, where the focus on human figures and their relationship with the supernatural opens a dialogue between everyday reality and fantasy. In addition, the delicate patterns on the characters’ clothing add a visual richness that evokes the culture of the period, suggesting the social status of the bean-throwers and their connection to popular rites.
This work not only depicts a folkloric theme; it is also a reflection of Hokusai's mastery of depicting action and emotion. The blending of the comic and the grotesque allows the viewer a deeper connection, generating an emotional response that goes beyond mere contemplation. Hokusai, known for his ability to capture the fleetingness of the moment, employs space and line in a fluid manner here, making the interaction between the oni and the beans seem almost palpable.
In the broader context of Japanese art, “Oni Thrown by Beans” stands as a testament to Hokusai’s ingenuity and his ability to integrate folklore into an aesthetic expression that is both accessible and complex. Not only does this work invite an interpretation of Japanese cultural beliefs about good and evil, but it is also a reminder of how art can tell stories that resonate with the collective soul of a people. The universality of the fear of evil and the hope for renewal that spring brings are found in this piece, which, despite being a product of its time, continues to hold relevance in discussions about the nature of the human and the fantastic. In sum, Hokusai’s painting is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in the art world, leaving an indelible mark on Japanese cultural history and beyond.
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