Ink Drawing of Zhongkui (Shōki)

Butsujō Jisen (1798-1870) was a Sōtō Zen monk of the late Edo period. He was born in Echizen Province. After traveling extensively, he became the abbot of Chōtokuji Temple in Nagato. He also served at Sagami Saijōji Temple and other temples. At the 600th anniversary of Dōgen’s death in Kaei 5 (1852), he served as the Godō (instructor of ascetic monks) at Eiheiji Temple and devoted himself to promoting Buddhist memorial services.
He used a unique caricature-like painting style and was particularly skilled in Taoist and Buddhist paintings.

This painting was created in Keiō 2 (1866), when he was 69 years old. Zhongkui is the Taoist god who repels demons. According to legend, Zhongkui appeared in a dream to Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and vanquished a plague god that had been troubling him. In Japan, Zhongkui merged with Shintoism and appeared in kagura performances as an incarnation of Susanoo-no-mikoto, known as Shōki Daijin, wielding a treasured sword in his right hand and a ring of thatch in his left to exterminate foreign demons. In Japan, he is also depicted on Gogatsu Ningyō (May dolls) and banners to ward off evil and to wish for children’s growth and protection.