The artwork, titled “The Black Monster Attacking the Wife of a Carpe,” is a mythological painting by the renowned artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. This piece belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement, which is distinguished by its depictions of urban pleasures and the floating world of Edo-period Japan.
In the artwork, a dramatic scene unfolds within a traditional Japanese interior. The setting is delineated by the presence of a tatami mat and a folding screen, situating the narrative within a domestic context. The central figures are a woman, identified as the wife of a carpe fisherman, and a monstrous figure aggressively approaching her. The woman appears distressed, her body language suggesting struggle and fear. The black monster, possibly a supernatural entity or yōkai, dominates the composition with its dark presence. The contrasting colors and detailed expressions highlight the sense of urgency and terror. To the side, another character, presumably the husband, displays a gesture that suggests surprise or helplessness at the unfolding spectacle. The presence of traditional garments and accessories further underscores the cultural and temporal setting of the scene.
