Marina Shirakawa | Momiji | Onna Yokai | Mixed Media color painting | 1986

Size : 26 x 36,5 cm Mixed Media Good condition In Japanese folklore, Momiji (also known as the Demon of Mount Togakushi) is a famous kijo, a powerful, supernatural female demon or mountain witch. According to legend, she hides her monstrous form by transforming into the beautiful Princess Sarashina. She uses this disguise to lure travelers and samurai during the autumn leaf-viewing season (momijigari). Once her victims are enchanted by her beauty and hospitality at her mountain banquets, she reveals her true demonic nature to overpower and devour them. Her reign of terror ends when the legendary hero Taira no Koremochi is sent to hunt her down. Guided by a divine message from a Shinto deity, Koremochi uses a sacred sword to defeat her in a fierce battle, restoring peace to the region Please read Marina's bio for more information