Kakemono painting with colors on silk. Japan, 19th century

A fantastic painting with many figures and some beautifully grotesque details. The large figure of the ghost king is in the center and is quite distinct from the other ghosts surrounding him. He is much larger, entirely blue, wearing precious garments and a flame is coming out of his mouth. He is wearing head decorations with an image that possibly shows himself, when he was still alive. A large halo behind his head. Like the other ghosts, he is extremely emaciated, with all of his ribs visible and his belly protruding grotesquely. The ghosts surrounding him are so-called gaki-zoshi or hungry ghosts in various colors and poses, almost naked with only torn aprons. Some are pleadingly raising their hands towards a floating figure in elegant courtly garments with fine, devout facial features and folded hands. Inscription 面 然 鬼 王 (‘The true face of the king of ghosts’) on the left. One of the ascending bubbles contains the character 永 for ‘eternity’.

The national treasure Gaki-zoshi scroll of the Hungry Ghosts in the Kyoto National Museum shows some similar depictions.

Condition: Generally in good condition; damaged paper, cracks and stains - crease folds are visible
Provenance: From an important Austrian private collection, acquired before 1930

SIZE image 169 x 88 CM, SIZE mounting 249.5 x 98 CM