Tametomo repelling smallpox from the island of Oshima
Coloured woodcut, Japan, mid-19th century
Chinsei Hachiro Tametomo was a celebrated historical figure of
the 12th century, whose enemies exiled him to the island of Oshima
off the cost of Japan. There according to legend, he repelled the
demon of smallpox who was preparing to invade the island. In his
response to his ferocious threats, the demon shown in the left of
the woodcut is reputed to have been diminished to the size of a pea
and floated out to sea. c1847-1852