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The Laughing Demoness (Warai Hannya), from the series "One Hundred Ghost...", Japan, 1831/32. Creator: Hokusai. The Laughing Demoness (Warai Hannya), from the series "One Hundred Ghost...", Japan, 1831/32. Creator: Hokusai
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The Laughing Demoness (Warai Hannya), from the series "One Hundred Ghost...", Japan, 1831/32. Creator: Hokusai. The Laughing Demoness (Warai Hannya), from the series "One Hundred Ghost...", Japan, 1831/32. Creator: Hokusai
The Laughing Demoness (Warai Hannya), from the series "One Hundred Ghost Tales (Hyaku monogatari)", Japan, 1831/32
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Media ID 36216044
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Chuban Demon Distorted Distortion Elderly Woman Hokusai Hokusai Katsushika Hokusai Tokimasa Hyaku Monogatari Kako Katsushika Hokusai Laughing Laughter Old Woman One Hundred Ghost Tales Saki No Scary Shunrō Sorobeku Tatsumasa Teeth Tooth Wrinkle Wrinkled Wrinkles Zen No Color Woodblock Print
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Laughing Demoness," or "Warai Hannya," is a captivating and enigmatic woodblock print from the renowned series "One Hundred Ghost Tales" (Hyaku monogatari) created by the legendary Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai between 1831 and 1832. This masterpiece, now held in the esteemed Art Institute of Chicago, showcases the artist's extraordinary ability to merge the realms of the supernatural and the beautiful. The Laughing Demoness is depicted as an elderly woman, her face contorted into a grotesque, toothy grin, her eyes bulging with an otherworldly intensity. Her long, flowing hair is a cascade of wrinkles, adding to the overall sense of age and decay. Yet, despite her frightening appearance, she exudes an undeniable allure, her laughter seemingly beckoning the viewer closer. This print is a prime example of Hokusai's innovative use of color and composition. The vivid reds and blues used to depict the demoness's skin and clothing contrast sharply with the muted background, drawing the viewer's attention to her distorted features. The print's chuban size, a common format for ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world), further emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of the piece. The Laughing Demoness is a testament to Hokusai's mastery of the woodblock printing technique, with its intricate details and precise lines. Her toothy grin, wrinkled skin, and bulging eyes serve as a reminder that even the most frightening aspects of life can be beautiful and captivating, a concept that continues to resonate with audiences today. This print is a valuable addition to any collection of Japanese art, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic innovation of the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868). The Laughing Demoness invites us to explore the depths of our own fears and desires, and to find beauty in the most unexpected places.
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