The Tongue-Cut Sparrow (Shita-kiri Suzume)
- Re.JapBook
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 11
A Masterpiece from Yoshitoshi's Ghost Series
In this striking print from his series "New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts" (Shinkei Sanjurokkaisen), Tsukioka Yoshitoshi captures the climactic moment from the beloved Japanese folktale "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" (Shita-kiri Suzume). The scene depicts the instant when the greedy old woman's avarice leads to her downfall, as supernatural creatures burst forth from a mysterious wicker basket.
The Tale's Beginning: Kindness and Cruelty
The tale begins with a kind old man who tends to an injured sparrow, making it his pet. However, his wife, characterized by her cruel nature, discovers the sparrow has eaten her precious starch paste and, in a fit of rage, cuts out the bird's tongue and drives it away. When the distressed husband searches for his beloved pet, he finds it living among other sparrows in a magnificent bamboo grove.
The Sparrows' Reward and the Wife's Greed
The sparrows, grateful for the old man's previous kindness, reward him with a choice between two wicker baskets (tsuzura). Choosing the smaller one and honoring their request not to open it until he returns home, he discovers it filled with precious treasures. His wife, upon learning of this, hastens to the sparrows' dwelling and greedily demands the larger basket.
The Moment of Retribution: Yoshitoshi's Dramatic Scene
Yoshitoshi's print captures the moment of karmic retribution. Unable to contain her curiosity and breaking her promise to the sparrows, the old woman opens the basket before reaching home. The artist masterfully renders her horror as supernatural creatures - including a three-eyed monster, a kappa water imp, and various otherworldly beings - emerge from the basket. Her exaggerated expression of terror and awkward posture as she tumbles backward perfectly embody the consequences of her greed.
Artistic Excellence: Yoshitoshi's Masterful Details
What makes this print particularly remarkable is Yoshitoshi's ability to imbue the supernatural creatures with an almost playful quality, contrasting sharply with the grotesque transformation of the old woman's features. The artist even gives the basket itself eyes and expression, suggesting it too possesses supernatural qualities - a subtle detail that adds depth to this cautionary tale about greed and the importance of keeping one's promises.
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