Kozuka with Shôki the Demon Queller

Description Provenance Inscription Credit

Description Standing on the left side of the kozuka is Shôki the demon queller. He is identifiable by his hat and beard. Shôki was an aspiring scholar in China who committed suicide when he failed the examinations to become a government official. The emperor, when he realized the degree of Shôki's commitment to service, awarded him the title of doctor. Shôki then appeared to the emperor in a dream where he vowed to protect the empire from demons to show his gratitude.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Inscriptions [Signature] On kozuka: 後藤光壽; [Translation] Gotô Mitsutoshi [kao]

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters

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Creator

Gotô Tsûjô (Japanese, 1663-1721) (Artist)

Period

1663-1721 (Edo)

Medium

shakudo (?), gold
(Arms & Armor)

Accession Number

51.817

Measurements

3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm) (l.)

Geographies

Japan, Kyoto (Place of Origin)
Japan, Tokyo (Edo) (Place of Origin)

Location Within Museum

Not On View