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Photo: Scott Leen
Demon with zither
Photo: Scott Leen

Demon with zither

Date15th-16th century
Maker Japanese
Label TextA dragon-headed, green-skinned figure stands under the tree holding a four-string instrument, a motif not usually associated with guardians (such as the Dragon King) or demon-like figures. It is conceivable that this mysterious being is an avatar of a deity who manifests himself in a demon form. Or perhaps the figure is a character in a Noh play, which often includes plots of revenge by the deceased in a ghostly guise.
Object number2020.27.4
Photo CreditPhoto: Scott Leen
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Deities and Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art, Oct. 20, 2022 - ongoing [on view Oct. 20, 2022 - Apr. 9, 2023] .
Credit LineGift of Maren Monsen and Jeffry Grainger in honor of Joseph and Elaine Monsen
Dimensions84 x 28 in. (213.4 x 71.1 cm)
MediumInk and color on paper