Painting on paper mounted as a kakemono, Japan, Taishō period (1912-1926) Ink and polychrome on paper depicting a young woman accompanied by an oni no nenbutsu (the Japanese expression oni no nenbutsu - 鬼の念仏 literally translates as "the devil's prayers"). The oni, dressed in monk's accoutrement, is depicted with a gong and a wooden mallet, hidden by the young woman, he carries a register of donations and an umbrella symbolizing his role as an itinerant monk. This depiction is a satire of monks and priests who behave hypocritically, pretending to be pious when they're really not. We can see the oni trying to seduce the young woman. Above the scene, a poem written in cursive letters. The painting is signed lower right Kinshū utsusu - 錦州寫, and accompanied by two red seals. This painting was created in the style of Kyosai satirical paintings. On the closed scroll is written in black ink the inscription: 錦州筆 鬼念佛圖 - Kinshū hitsu oni nenbutsu zo - "painting of the oni who became a priest by Kinshū". Image size: 130 x 29.5 cm Moisture stains.