Marina Shirakawa | Kijo Momiji | 鬼女紅葉 | The Demoness of the Autumn Leaves | 1986

Kijo Momiji (鬼女紅葉) | The Demoness of the Autumn Leaves

Original Colour Illustration by Marina Shirakawa (1940–2000)

Size : 26 x 36,5 cm
Mixed Media 
Very Good condition

Kijo Momiji is a famous female demon from Japanese folklore, best known through Momijigari (紅葉狩, Maple-Leaf Viewing), a supernatural tale that became a celebrated subject of Noh and Kabuki theatre.

According to the legend, the warrior Taira no Koremochi encounters a beautiful noblewoman while travelling through the autumn forests of Mount Togakushi. Enchanted by her beauty and hospitality, he accepts her invitation to drink sake, unaware that she is actually a terrifying demoness disguised as a woman. Her true nature is eventually revealed, leading to a confrontation in which Koremochi defeats her.

In this beautiful original illustration, Marina Shirakawa captures the contrast between appearance and reality. A graceful noblewoman dressed in an elaborate kimono stands amid falling red maple leaves, while beneath her, reflected in the water, appears the grotesque face of a horned oni, reminiscent of a traditional Hannya mask.

The composition recalls traditional Japanese depictions of Momijigari, in which the reflection reveals the woman's hidden identity. Shirakawa transforms this centuries-old legend into an elegant yet unsettling image, where beauty and horror coexist.

Please read Marina's bio for more information