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Demon Slayers of the Heian Period:
The Tale of Demon King Shuten Dōji

  • Image of "The Tale of Shuten DōjiMuromachi period–Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th–17th century (Private collection)"

    The Tale of Shuten Dōji
    Muromachi period–Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th–17th century (Private collection)

    Upcoming

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Rooms T1 & T2
    September 30, 2025 (Tue) - November 9, 2025 (Sun)

    A group of brave samurai led by Minamoto no Raikō ventured deep into the mountains to slay the demon king Shuten Dōji. Set in the Heian period (794–1192), this story has captivated the imaginations of many artists since it was first illustrated by the painter Kanō Motonobu (1477–1559) in an illustrated scroll late in the Muromachi period (1392–1573). After which, artists from Motonobu’s Kanō school, as well as many other artists, began depicting the story in their works. The present thematic exhibition displays works from the Muromachi period onwards related to this legendary tale.

    List of Exhibits

Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.

Volume 1 of the Illustrated Tale of the Demon Shuten Dōji,  Attributed to Kanō Takanobu, Edo period, 17th century

Volume 2 of the Illustrated Tale of the Demon Shuten Dōji,  Attributed to Kanō Takanobu Edo period, 17th century

Volume 3 of the Illustrated Tale of the Demon Shuten Dōji,  Attributed to Kanō Takanobu, Edo period, 17th century

1st Scene of The Tale of Shuten Dōji, Muromachi period–Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th–17th century, Private collection

The Illustrated Tale of the Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo), Kamakura period, 14th century (Important Cultural Property)

The Illustrated Tale of the Samurai Watanabe no Tsuna, Muromachi period, 16th century, First exhibition rotation through Oct 19, second exhibition rotation from Oct 21.

Warrior Trampling on a Demon's Head, By Torii Kiyomasu (dates unknown), Edo period, 18th century (On exhibit through October 19, 2025)

Allusion to the Heroes of The Tale of Shuten Dōji, By Kitagawa Utamaro, Edo period, 18th century (On exhibit from October 21, 2025)

 

 

Pamphlet

「平安武士の鬼退治　酒呑童子のものがたり」表紙画像

Thematic Exhibition
Demon Slayers of the Heian Period:
The Tale of Demon King Shuten Dōji

Copies are available in the gallery during the exhibition period, while stocks last.
PDF（10MB）

 

 

Exhibitions