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◆　About Otsu-e

About Otsu-e

Otsu-e originated as a style of a painting often portraying Gods and Buddha
that was sold to travelers of the Fifty-three Stages of the Tokaido.

Otsu-e began at the beginning of the Edo era around Oiwake and Otani.
Oiwake and Otani are located between the Yamashina district in Kyoto city and
the east end of Otsu city in Shiga prefecture (Otsujuku).

With the passing of time, various types of subjects have been portrayed
such as animals, prostitutes, monsters along with satires, humorous caricatures,
and drawings with comic poetry.

Otsu-e along with Ukiyoe was representative of the Edo era as folk paintings,
but Otsu-e was not as expensive as Ukiyoe. It was mass produced at low cost for the common people.

Listed below are the meanings of 10 typical figures (Not the meaning of the paintings).

Oni no Nenbutsu(Praying Goblin): stops children from crying at night, exorcising demons.

Fuji musume(Wisteria Maiden): Adds to your amiability helps you get a good romantic partner

Kaminari to Taiko (Thunder God and Drum): Dodges lightning

Hyotan Namazu(Gourd and Catfish): Solves problems smoothly and forms a close bond.

Zato (Blind Man): keeps bad events from occurring (Things won't fall down)

Yarimochi Yakko(Spear Bearer): Provides safty during travel

Takasho(Falconer): Gains profit and gets back lost things. Develops a business (Bumper crops means benefit. Now it means development of a business)

Naginata Benkei (Benkei with Spear): Provides physical strength and holds lots of money (derives from carrying a temple bell easily.)

Yanone Goro(Arrow Man): Helps your wishes and desires come true.

Geho no Hashigozori (Daikoku shaving Fukurokuju):
Extends longevity and helps everything go to plan.