金色夜叉|The Golden Demon

Kaburagi Kiyokata

ca. 1903 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

This print served as a frontispiece for the short novel The Golden Demon by Ozaki Kōyō, a moralistic tale about how the pursuit of money in modern society corrupts relationships. Set in the 1890s, Kan’ichi, a student, is in love with Miya, the daughter of a man to whom he owes money. Their engagement is cancelled so that Miya can marry a wealthy banker’s son. In despair, Kan’ichi breaks ties with all his friends, abandons his studies, and declares he has ceased to be human.

Artist

Kaburagi Kiyokata

Date

ca. 1903

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Lincoln Kirstein, 1959