Nikushi the Frog Spirit Conjures up a Magical Battle of Frogs at Tateyama in Etchū Province

Both triptychs in this case show scenes from a tenth-century legend about a frog spirit who becomes involved in a warrior feud [see also EA1971.137]. Here Nikushi the frog immortal transfers supernatural powers to the warriors Taira no Yoshikado and Iga no Jūtarō so that they can avenge the murder of Yoshikado’s father. Stones are transformed into battling frogs while night demons and the earth spider look on.

Details

Title

Nikushi the Frog Spirit Conjures up a Magical Battle of Frogs at Tateyama in Etchū Province
Artist/maker

Utagawa Yoshitora (active c. 1850 - c. 1880) (designer)
Associated place

Tōkyō (place of creation)

Tōkyō (place of publication)

Japan (Toyama Prefecture) (subject)
Date

1864
Edo Period (1600 - 1868)
Material and technique

woodblock print
Material index

paper
Technique index

colour woodcut
Object type

triptych print
Dimensions

mount 55.8 x 34.9 cm (height x width)
print 35.7 x 24 cm (height x width)
No. of items

n/a
Credit line

Presented by George Grigs, Miss Elizabeth Grigs, and Miss Susan Messer, in memory of Derick Grigs, 1971.
Museum location

refer to main record
Museum department

Eastern Art
Accession no.

EA1971.226.c