The Warrior Who Vanquished Disease: Tametomo and the Smallpox Demon
- Re.JapBook
- Jan 20
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 25
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Historical Figure
This dramatic print features Minamoto no Tametomo, a legendary warrior of the late Heian period renowned for his extraordinary strength and archery skills. Known as the "Peerless Brave," Tametomo was the eighth son of Minamoto no Tameyoshi and gained fame for his military prowess from an early age.
The Legend of Protection
Following his exile to Izu Oshima after the Hōgen Rebellion of 1156, Tametomo became associated with a powerful folk belief. The island's remarkable immunity to smallpox was attributed to the demon of the disease fearing the warrior's legendary might, leading to a tradition that would span generations.
The Supernatural Confrontation
In this print, Yoshitoshi captures the dramatic confrontation between Tametomo and the Tōki-jin (Smallpox Demon), depicted as an elderly woman carrying an infected child. The warrior's mere presence, symbolized by his bow and arrows, was believed sufficient to ward off the dreaded disease that plagued medieval Japan.
Cultural Impact
This legend gave rise to a fascinating cultural practice: during smallpox outbreaks, people would display red prints (aka-e) featuring Tametomo's image as talismans against the disease. The tradition even extended to hanging placards declaring "Chinzei Hachirō Tametomo Resides Here" to ward off the illness.
Artistic Interpretation
Yoshitoshi masterfully renders this supernatural encounter, with Tametomo's commanding presence on the right contrasting with the demon's retreat in the upper left. The artist's distinctive treatment of the frame, appearing deliberately damaged, adds an otherworldly dimension to this powerful scene.
Comentarios