PLATES XI, XII, XIII, XIV
A Ghost
This is an apparition of a female ghost, with a phosphorescent flame, and represents a soul tormented by hatred or jealousy. The Japanese ghost is usually understood to be void of feet, but here a foot is faintly depicted. The artist Ōkyo founded a realistic school and his works are famous for their faithfulness to nature. See p. 239.
By Maruyama Ōkyo (dated 1779). Original in possession of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The Genii of the World Beyond
Shōzu-ga no Baba (the guardian of the cross-roads on the journey of the soul). Every soul transmigrating to the various resorts beyond has to pay a tribute to the old woman sitting at the cross-roads where the three ways of transmigration begin. See p. 238.
Jizō (Kṣitigarbha), the guardian of the children's souls. See p. 240.
Emma (Yama-rājā), the Pluto of the Buddhist hells. He is a furious manifestation of the same genius as the benign genius, Jizō. See p. 238.
By Kukuchi Yōsai (1788-1878). In possession of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
