Traditional Japanese Art for a Bright Future "Signs of Good Fortune" from the collection of Susan Tosk

This is a kakemono (hanging scroll) depicting Shoki and oni.  Painted by Imperial Court Artist (Teishitsu Gigeiin) Shibata Zeshin, painted in 1885.  His signature also notes that he was 78 years old when he painted it.  The overall scroll measures 71.3 inches in height.Shoki is a Daoist god, handed down to folklore in China. This subject is said to be effective for driving evil away as well as receiving academic achievements.