PublishedDover Publications, April 2017 |
ISBN9780486800356 |
FormatSoftcover, 256 pages |
Dimensions27.9cm × 21cm |
Japanese folklore abounds with bizarre creatures collectively referred to as the yokai - the ancestors of the monsters populating Japanese film, literature, manga, and anime. Artist Toriyama Sekien (1712-88) was the first to compile illustrated encyclopaedias detailing the appearances and habits of these creepy-crawlies from myth and folklore.
Ever since their debut over two centuries ago, the encyclopaedias have inspired generations of Japanese artists. 'Japandemonium Illustrated' represents the very first time they have ever been available in English. This historically groundbreaking compilation includes complete translations of all four of Sekien's yokai masterworks: the 1776 Gazu Hyakki Yagyo; (The Illustrated Demon Horde's Night Parade), the 1779 Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (The Illustrated Demon Horde from Past and Present, Continued), the 1781 Konjaku Hyakki Shu; (More of the Demon Horde from Past and Present), and the 1784 Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro (A Horde of Haunted Housewares). The collection is complemented by a detailed introduction and helpful annotations for modern-day readers. AUTHOR: Scholar and ukiyo-e woodblock artist Toriyama Sekien (1712 88) is famed for cataloging all species of yokai, the monsters of Japanese folklore. Translators Matt Alt and Hiroko Yoda have co-authored numerous books on Japanese pop culture, history, and folklore.